With so much media coverage about menopause in recent years, it seems as though the stigma surrounding ‘The M Word’ is finally being lifted. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Lorraine Kelly and Kirsty Walk have all shared their menopausal experiences in interviews and even television programmes. Liz Earle now has her own Well-being website, with articles on how to ease hot flushes and night sweats, plus Michelle Heaton and Meg Matthews have both launched books on the topic this year. 

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More women are becoming vocal on the subject, which is encouraging for those who have previously suffered with the symptoms in silence. A recent survey revealed that 45% of women felt that they could not talk to their friends about menopause. It is a pivotal time in every woman's life, which everyone will eventually experience, therefore it is time to speak out and share the experiences with others. Let us break down the menopausal wall and turn this taboo subject into a normal conversation between friends. 

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Menopause can affect women in different ways. Hot flushes, tiredness, anxiety, mood swings and depression are all recognised and talked about menopausal symptoms. Yet when mentioning Vaginal dryness the silence beings. Recognised as the silent taboo amongst them all vaginal dryness, is an uncomfortable and personal symptom. As it is rarely discussed, many women are shocked to discover this change to their body when they enter the menopause. As a result a lot of women find that they are unable to discuss it with their doctor or even partners. The emotional impact of these changes to the body can be severe as they can be difficult to accept, resulting in a loss of self confidence and sexual confidence, which in some cases can have a knock-on effect on relationships and marriage.

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But why do some women experience dryness during the menopause? During the menopause women undergo natural hormonal changes, most notably a fall in the levels of oestrogen. Oestrogen levels are closely linked to vaginal lubrication. As the oestrogen levels fall during menopause the tissues of the vagina can become dry, and lose their elasticity and strength. Persistent vaginal dryness caused by the hormonal changes during menopause is also known as vaginal atrophy. 

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Vaginal dryness is very common affecting over half of post-menopausal women aged between 51-60 years old. Sex, intimacy or even day to day life can then often become uncomfortable or painful for many women, sometimes to a debilitating degree.

 

Fortunately, there are ways in which this side effect can be relieved, so there is no need to live with this uncomfortable dryness. Treatments include: hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vaginal oestrogen creams or pessaries and lubricants or vaginal moisturisers. It is a good idea to talk to your GP about your symptoms as they can help you to decide which will be the best method of treatment for you. It is vital to remember that vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause, and it is perfectly normal to experience.  But, it does not have to be ‘just one of those things’ that you suffer with in silence. 

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Menopause is not all doom and gloom. I think we can all agree that menopause is not the best rollercoaster ride of your life. On the plus side, there are now more products that ever on the market to help you get through this trying time. From intimate lubricants to tea and skin care products, there are brands out there that have got you covered, so that you can start to feel like your old self again.

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Here are Dame's top 4 lubricant products ensuring you feel comfortable all day long.