The "silent epidemic".

It's about time we started talking about the effects of postmenopause on women's lives - and sex lives.

The permanent drop in the level of estrogen 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”.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the few options available. However it may become less effective over time or not address key symptoms for many women, who also may choose not to take the increased levels of hormones necessary for it to be effective. Finally there is a global supply crisis that is yet another challenge for postmenopausal women to navigate.

*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?

  1. Vaginal dryness, itching and tearing: Reduced estrogen levels can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier, and less elastic, leading to discomfort, itching, thinning, and tearing.
  2. Sexual discomfort due to vaginal dryness, thinning  and tearing issues.
  3. Urination issues. Increased urgency, urinary incontinence, or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), can occur due to the effects of estrogen deficiency on the urinary system.
  4. 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 estrogen 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

Postmenopause also means weaker hair and nail growth for many women.

The permanent drop in estrogen levels 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 nail growth 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.