| When it comes to sex, many menopausal women experience some vaginal dryness or irritation. For some women that means only occasional discomfort, while for others the symptoms can be nearly constant. If you're feeling not-quite-yourself, the first thing to know is that it's completely natural. The second is that you can do something about it. Studies indicate that one-third to one-half of all American women experience some difficulty with sex. And although sexual function issues are more common as we get older, they occur to women of all ages. Low libido is the most common complaint. In a 1992 national study, 30 percent of women ages 18-60 reported low sexual desire; 20 percent had trouble with vaginal lubrication and 25 percent reported an inability to achieve orgasm. A key cause that's often overlooked is hormonal imbalance. This in particular can be the cause of problems with low libido as you move into the post-menopausal years of your fifties. That's the time when decreasing estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissues to thin, which can lead to dryness and irritation. If you're one of the many women who encounter discomfort from decreased hormones during perimenopause or menopause, relief is here. One of the easiest solutions is a good personal lubricant-preferably one that includes herbs and nutrients that not only provide moisture, but nourish the tissues as well. |
