If you’re experiencing dryness, irritation or pain during sex, you’re not alone.
As we age, our sex lives may be affected by hormonal changes leading to emotional
They say that 50 is the new 40. What they don’t say is that while you might act and feel younger at 50 than your mother did even at 40, your body is still 50 years old. That typically means a significiant drop in estrogen levels. Beyond the hot flashes and night sweats, such a decline can also lead to changes in your sexual function and reproductive system.
As you probably know, sex starts in the brain, not the vagina. And the part of the brain responsible for sexual function and mood—the hypothalamus—is a hotbed of estrogen receptors. That means estrogen, along with testosterone, likely plays a role in your initial desire.
And, it turns out that estrogen is to your vagina what moisturizer is to your face—and more! It’s critical for keeping things moist, healthy and flexible down there. The vagina, clitoris, urethra (the tube leading from the outside of your body to the bladder), bladder and other urogenital components all contain significant numbers of estrogen receptors. That means they rely on estrogen for healthy functioning. As estrogen levels decline and less reaches these tissues, they literally atrophy or shrink, not just dry up—sometimes resulting in a significant negative effect on your sex life.
Let’s start with the vagina. Without sufficient estrogen, it becomes dry and less acidic, increasing the risk of infection. It takes longer to get lubricated for sex, even if you’re ready and full of desire. Over time, estrogen deficiency can lead to more significant changes in the entire urinary/genital area, including reduced blood flow to the vagina, and the tissue itself becomes thin and weak.