At some point in their 40s or 50s, women experience menopause, the natural end of their menstrual cycle. Throughout your reproductive years, your menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones. You can get pregnant, and you have a period every month when you aren’t.
But your hormone levels decline as you enter menopause. These fluctuations can make your body feel like it’s going haywire. Many women suffer hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and more. And because reproductive hormones are declining, you might notice vaginal changes and a decreased libido.
Your body might change during menopause, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a lackluster sex life. Whatever menopause symptoms you’re experiencing, A. Michael Coppa, MD, and our team are here to help you find a solution that’s right for you.
At our clinics in Rhode Island, you’ll find comprehensive care for menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness and low libido.
You’re considered menopausal when it’s been a year since your last menstrual period. Your periods finally stop when your reproductive hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone, get so low that you no longer ovulate. Periods stop and you’re not able to get pregnant any more.
Changing hormone levels not only affect your period, but also your sex drive and overall state of well-being. As hormone production decreases, your attitude toward sex and enjoyment of it might change.
Some women report a rise in their sex drive after menopause. This could be due to fewer responsibilities as children move out of the house and retirement comes closer, but that’s not the case for every woman.
The steep drop in hormone levels with menopause can trigger a number of physical changes that impact your sex drive and enjoyment of sex. Low estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort with sex. Blood circulation to the vagina decreases, and many women notice that it’s harder to get aroused.
Vaginal discomfort and low estrogen aren’t the only possible causes of sexual dysfunction after menopause.Other side effects of menopause affect your overall well-being and might put sex at the bottom of your list. Some of these symptoms include insomnia, depression, anxiety, and urinary incontinence.
There’s no denying that menopause triggers changes in your body and in the way you feel. But those changes don’t have to negatively affect your quality of life or your relationship with your partner. If your sex life is suffering due to menopause, it’s time to learn more about your treatment options.
Dr. Coppa and our team offer hormone replacement therapy for women who are bothered by unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Available in a variety of forms like oral pills or topical creams, hormone replacement therapy helps stabilize hormone levels in your body.
For many women, hormone replacement therapy is an effective solution, minimizing symptoms like vaginal dryness, low libido, and more. If you choose hormone replacement therapy, our team monitors your health, ensuring you’re taking the smallest possible dose to relieve your symptoms.
Menopause affects every woman differently, and hormone replacement therapy may not be right for you. Whether you don’t find adequate relief from therapy or you simply don’t want to take medication, there are other options available, too.
Over-the-counter lubricants can ease vaginal discomfort during sex. Implementing lifestyle changes like getting regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet can also help regulate hormones. Be patient with yourself as you find a new rhythm and adjust to the next stage of your life.
The start of menopause doesn’t have to mean the end of your sex life. Find out how you can minimize discomfort and boost your confidence in the bedroom by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Coppa. Call the clinic nearest you or use our online system today to request an appointment. Our clinics are located in Cranston, Smithfield, and Providence, Rhode Island.
