Menopause sex pain

Vaginal dryness can be a problem for many postmenopausal women. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy. With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body's estrogen levels during menopause. To remedy vaginal dryness and painful intercourse dyspareunia associated with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor might recommend:.

When you reach menopause, you expect hot flashes and night sweats. But lower hormone levels may result in a host of other more unusual symptoms as well. Most women experience some physical or emotional symptoms when they reach menopause, which is typically in their early fifties, though it can occur at any age between 35 and Hot flashes are the most common of these symptoms — at least two-thirds of women going through menopause experience them — but there are many other uncomfortable signs to watch for, too. Menopause symptoms , including missing or late periods, are different for every woman.

Dryness and irritation are normal, but there are ways to improve some of the symptoms of menopause. During menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen levels and physical changes to the vagina , vulva, and vaginal opening , which can cause symptoms like dryness and urinary tract infections. These changes, which used to be called vaginal atrophy, are now known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause GSM , a condition that affects more than half of postmenopausal women , according to a research review published in December in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The good news is that these changes can be treated — and reversed, says Dr. The result of these changes: Penetration may be painful, even if you are aroused, says Streicher.

Menopause can do a number on your sex life. Menopause and sex don't always go hand in hand. Why's that?