“I’m itchy down under,” I told the gynecological nurse practitioner during my last visit. I was going to purchase an over-the-counter medication for what I thought was a simple vaginal infection. Glad I didn’t self-medicate. It’s not a good idea.
“You have postmenopausal dryness,” said the nurse practitioner. “Your vaginal walls are thinning and irritated due to your lack of estrogen. It’s simple to fix.” She prescribed an estrogen cream. Just a few small dabs worked wonders and now I’m pleasantly hydrated again.
Not Alone With My Postmenopausal Woes
I’m not alone with my postmenopausal woes (psst, psst, it can impact your sexual health after 50 too) and soon there will be many more women joining me in the vaginal desert. According to statistics, nearly one out of every two (45.25%) American women will be menopausal or approaching menopause next year. While most women are aware of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, fewer know about vaginal atrophy, a condition that effects one-third of women. (OMG, OMG, OMG, that’s a lot of dried out women!)
“Let’s Talk About Change”
I learned more about postmenopausal vaginal atrophy after talking with actress Brenda Strong, who is spokesperson for Pfizer’s “Let’s Talk About Change” campaign, which addresses the need for increased public awareness of this condition, including thinking and talking differently about postmenopause and sexual health after 50.
“The Other Talk”
Actress Brenda Strong is an accomplished yoga instructor.
The campaign kicked off this week with a light-hearted video featuring Brenda called, “The Other Talk.” An important event in a young woman’s life is when a mother talks with her teenage daughter about sex. (Can’t remember what my mom said when I was an adolescent. I think she just slapped me when I got my period. What about you?) “The Other Talk” expands this coming-of-age to the next generation with a dialogue between mother and daughter about postmenopause. (I didn’t talk to my mom about postmenopause, except to complain about all the hair that is now popping up on my face instead of on my head.)
I enjoyed talking with Brenda, who in addition to being an actress (known for roles in Desperate Housewives and Dallas) – is an accomplished yoga instructor. “I’ve been teaching yoga for the last 20 years. I used yoga when I was going through infertility years ago and now I teach yoga for women, for fertility, and for partners,” said Brenda. As a fellow yogi, I was interested in what Brenda had to say about women and wellness. “Gentle and restorative yoga practices help cultivate energy,” said Brenda.
We agreed that some of the best times of a woman’s life are during her years after 50. “Now that my children are grown, I have more energy and more time to focus on maintaining my own health and wellness,” said Brenda. Her tips for women post 50:
♥ It’s never too late to start exercising.
♥ Make better choices about what you put in your body.
♥ Have balance in your life. Get lots of rest.
♥ Tune into your own needs and educate yourself about what your body is going through during menopause and postmenopause so you can make wise choices to increase your longevity.
“This campaign is a call to take action for yourself,” said Brenda. “It’s not about surviving menopause. It’s about thriving through menopause.”
Speak With Your Doctor
Dr. Michelle Warren, NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner
Also on yesterday’s call was Dr. Michelle Warren, NAMS certified menopause practitioner and founder and medical director of The Center for Menopause, Hormonal Disorders and Woman’s Health in NYC. Dr. Warren said women should not suffer in silence. She empowered women to talk openly and in detail about their menopause and postmenopause symptoms and not feel embarrassed about these topics. “I urge every woman experiencing these changes to bring up their symptoms to their healthcare professional at the start of their visit, not when they are walking out the door.”
Are you taking care of your health? Have you seen your gynecologist this year for your annual check-up? Don’t get stuck in the vaginal desert without hydration. It’s not fun. For tips to get the conversation started with your doctor and partner as well as more information about postmenopause, visit: www.LetsTalkAboutChange.com.
Judi
I’m in the desert with you, Judy, so thanks for this post. It hasn’t been fun (kind of painful, actually) so i have to find a perfect solutions. Thanks!
Hope you are able to talk with your doctor and find a fix to your symptoms. Good luck.
Oh boy… I feel like I peeking around the corner, terrified of what I see coming soon! But you have a way about writing these things that make it all seem manageable, so I won’t fret.
Thanks Sherri! Not to worry, you have to laugh sometimes or you will cry from lack of sleep.
Reader R left a comment: Very brave post. First sentence is an attention grabber.