Menopause and Naturopathic Medicine

Remember when your vagina was like a well-oiled dream machine? Now it feels more like… desert sand? Estrogen doesn’t just care about hot flashes—it’s your vagina’s personal hype woman. When it leaves, things can get a little dry, cranky, and occasionally rebellious.

1. Vaginal Dryness – Not Just a ‘TMI’ Thing

• Estrogen keeps vaginal tissue thick, moist, and happy. Without it, you may notice dryness, itching, or discomfort.
  
• Impact: Intercourse can be painful, and even everyday life feels less comfortable.
  
• Estrogen tablets and creams can keep the flexibility and hydration in the vaginal walls
  

2. Low Libido – Sometimes a Pain in the… Well, You Know

• Painful sex = low desire. It’s biology, not laziness.
  
• Libido can rebound with help—estrogen creams, pelvic floor therapy, and open conversations with your partner can make intimacy enjoyable again.
  
  
• Lube is your new best friend—think of it as your vaginal daily electrolyte!
  

3. UTIs – When Your Bladder Starts Acting Up

• Estrogen loss can change the vaginal environment, making UTIs more likely.
  
• Prevention: hydration (think hyaluronic acid serums for your vagina daily), urinating after sex, topical estrogen therapy ongoing and cranberry extract
  

4. Pelvic Floor Changes – Blame Your Muscles, Not Your Mood

• Estrogen keeps tissues resilient; without it, you may notice leaks, urgency, or less pelvic support.
  
• Fun tip: Pelvic floor exercises aren’t just for moms—think of it as giving your muscles a VIP gym membership. Not just kegels! Sometimes the floor is too tight in some areas and not relaxed enough in others. Knowing what's happening on your floor helps symptoms.
  

Menopause is messy, funny, frustrating, and universal. If your body’s sending you cryptic messages, don’t ignore them. See a provider, explore therapies, and give yourself permission to moisturize. You deserve comfort, confidence, and maybe even a little spice if you want!

Dr. Aoife Earls
Naturopathic Doctor at Dalhousie Health & wellness