Navigating menopausal challenges: Embracing a new chapter

Menopause is a challenging time for many women, not only because of its associated physical ailments. Some believe it marks the end of their sexual activity, although more and more women are breaking these stereotypes.

Menopause is a physiological transitional period in every woman's life, ending the reproductive age and starting the aging process. Naturally, ovarian activity begins to decline, estrogen levels drop, and often libido as well.

Many women experience mood swings and sudden hot flashes. Due to the changes that often occur in the body and the greater difficulty in losing additional weight, their sense of attractiveness also decreases. This can be overwhelming and may cause some women to start giving up on sex.

As anti-ageism activist and menopause educator Aleksandra Laudańska said in an interview with Wysokie Obcasy, she faced many ailments during menopause, such as body pain, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness. Her figure changed, which affected her self-confidence.

– I like myself curvier, I like my bigger breasts, but in perimenopause, a belly appeared, which is extremely difficult to lose. It doesn’t suit me – she said.

The "Wysokie Obcasy" interviewee admitted that hormone therapy prescribed by a gynecologist helped with the menopausal ailments. Support also came from a younger partner. The woman added that although she once preferred fast, spontaneous sex, her encounters now last significantly longer and are more sensual, and she – as she mentioned – "experiences multiple orgasms."

The second interviewee also opted for hormone therapy. However, she admitted that the end of menstruation and the lack of risk of pregnancy were a relief, and sex – as she stated – "became even better than before."

As gynecology and obstetrics specialist Agnieszka Nalewczyńska explained, quoted by "Wysokie Obcasy" – a drop in estrogen causes vaginal dryness. This, in turn, affects the quality of intercourse and can lead to abrasions and injuries and consequently to frequent infections.

– A large number of patients will say goodbye to the problem of vaginal dryness thanks to menopausal hormone therapy. Those in whom atrophy continues to persist should take hormones not only systemically but also vaginally – she said.

In addition, the expert mentioned that urogynecological physiotherapy might also be helpful, as might aesthetic gynecology in specific cases.