Menopause and sex

Q: I’VE been going through menopause for almost two years. I have not had sexual intercourse with my husband for six months due to the discomfort during intercourse. What can I do eliminate the pain?

A: DURING menopausal years, the women’s ovaries stop producing oestrogen.

Low oestrogen levels can sometimes cause dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues, making intercourse uncomfortable and painful.

Anticipation of pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness and atrophy may dampen a woman’s desire.

Black cohosh, sage, dong guai and other herbs that are rich in natural plant oestrogens such as red clover and soy are highly recommended to those who are going through menopause.

Black cohosh is effective in treating pre-menopausal symptoms and symptoms arising from ovarian insufficiency (lack of oestrogen and progesterone production) such as hot flushes and night sweat.

Dong quai, which is also known as the “female ginseng”, helps restore balance in woman’s reproductive system by toning the uterus, nourishing the blood and stimulating healthy circulation.

A herbal formulation that contains all the five herbs will help women cope with the physical and psychological changes during the menopausal period.

Vagina tearing and infection are common in women who are going through menopause.

Supplementing the diet with friendly bacteria, Lactobacillus GR-1 and RC-14, will help reduce the risk of infection and improve general wellbeing of women.

These strains of friendly bacteria attach to the vaginal lining and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast.

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