Dear Dr Eve,

After months of feeling depressed, unmotivated and a complete lack of interest in sex, I consulted with my general practitioner.  He put me onto anti-depressants and I felt no change.  In fact, I felt more anxious, agitated, short tempered and teary.  At my annual gynae checkup, I mentioned this to my doctor and was sent for hormone blood tests.  I am in menopause!  It’s such a relief to know that this is the reason for the major unhappiness I was feeling.  I write to you for advice on how to manage my sexuality as I go through menopause.

Kylie

DR EVE REPLIES:

Hello Kylie,

How brave of you to mention your psychological distress to your gynecologist.  Often times one hides this as society has taught us to feel shameful of feeling anything but ‘happy”.  Menopause symptoms can easily be misunderstood for depression and women suffer unnecessarily due to medical mismanagement.

 

Welcome to exploring yourself as you transition from one phase of your womanhood into another phase.

 

Your sexual health needs attention, and just like your nutrition and exercise, it needs adjusting according to your unique current needs.

 

Menopause management requires a whole lifestyle change – simply swallowing hormones or placing a hormonal patch on your skin, is just one part of what you require.  Today spend time considering your current lifestyle.

 

Rate your relationship to the following variables – 1-5, 1 being negative and 5 being positive 

  1. Sleep
  2. Nutrition
  3. Exercise
  4. Intimate relationship health
  5. Sexuality
  6. Nature/mindfulness practice

 

Attending to each one of these variables will not replace lost hormones to your body.  They will, however, add mental and physical health to you. This will give you a life of purpose and passion, a body that you will want to live in, play in, and enjoy the pleasure of sexuality.

 

Sexually, accept that your interest will be lower, and you will need more stimulation to become orgasmic.  Begin to explore sexual health products that will give you peace of mind and pleasure.  Avoid sexual pain and discomfort by using vaginal renewal products I recommend.  And if there is only one product you feel you can buy right now, let it be lubeJ

 

RECOMMENDED SEXUAL HEALTH PRODUCTS FOR MENOPAUSAL WOMEN:

ALL THESE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE HERE: www.drevestore.co.za

 

LIQUID SILK – VAGINAL MOISTURIZER

SLIQUID SASSY LUBE

NOVA BALLS

PILLOWTALK CLITORAL VIBRATOR

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Take care

Dr Eve

 

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Take care

Marlene #stayhome

“Dear Dr Eve” is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. By submitting a letter, you are agreeing to let DR EVE use it—in part or in full—and we may edit it for length and/or clarity.