The "silent epidemic".
It's about time we started talking about the effects of menopause and postmenopause on women's lives - and sex lives.
The hormonal drop during menopause and postmenopause leads to a cluster of symptoms collectively known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) or Vaginal Atrophy affecting the lives of up to 84%* of postmenopausal women around the world. Yet because the symptoms are often very personal, too often women don’t speak up and continue to suffer in silence. That’s why GSM is called a “silent epidemic”.
*Estimate by the North American Menopause Society
Women struggling with post menopausal issues often feel alone and invisible and blame themselves, without realising how common they are.
"I thought it was just me."
No, you're not alone.
While we need to talk more about these very personal physical issues, we also need to talk more about the psychological effects of these too. GSM can have a profound effect on women’s intimate relationships and personal confidence.
Ironically, while postmenopausal women are left with few options to cope with this widespread condition, their husbands have inexpensive and easily available ways to rejuvenate their aging sexual responses.
The changes "down under"
Do these sound familiar?
- Vaginal dryness, itching and tearing: The drop in hormone levels at menopause can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier, and less elastic, leading to discomfort, itching, thinning, and tearing.
- Sexual discomfort due to vaginal dryness, thinning and tearing issues.
- Urination issues.
The hormonal drop during menopause can also disrupt bladder and urinary tract health.
- Loss of sexual desire and personal confidence. What’s harder to measure is the very personal effects of all this on women, especially in their personal confidence and most intimate relationships.
The vaginal wall before and after menopause. As hormone levels drop, so does natural cellular resilience and structure leading to thinning, tearing, itching, sexual discomfort and general discomfort.
Deep change at a cellular level
Menopause and postmenopause also means weaker hair and nails for many women.
The drop in hormone levels in menopause and postmenopause doesn’t just change things “down under”. Because it affects your body’s whole cellular system, you’ll probably also notice weaker, thinner hair and nails too. That’s why a holistic approach is needed to for postmenopausal health, combining both targeted and systemic methods.
As estrogen levels drop permanently during menopause, so does the the strength of hair and nail cellular structure.
The View From Down Under
New Zealand women’s experience of GSMIntroduction by Niki Bezzant
How does Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause affect the lives of New Zealand women?
We conducted new independent research to find out. The answer is that it’s disrupting our lives, our confidence, and our relationships…and we’re not really talking about it, even to our best friends. Download the paper here.
