Puberty? Meet Menopause...

Have you ever heard the saying, 'menopause is just puberty's mean big sister'? Well, it's sorta true.

You know what else is true? We seem to be given as much information about menopause as we were about puberty.

Maybe you were lucky to have a Mom or sister who talked you through puberty and menopause! But for a lot of people, menopause comes with many of the same classics of puberty such as:

Am I pregnant or is this menopause (formerly, puberty)?
Am I crazy or is this my hormones?
Is there supposed to be more or less blood?
Why do I feel so icky?

Don't worry, there are some new, fun twists. Instead of 'why is there discharge and is it normal?' and 'why am I so very interested in a shirtless Patrick Swayze?' You now get 'why does it feel like my vajazzle is full of sand?' and 'I don't care if Brad Pitt walked in here naked, all I want is chocolate.' Oh, and there is a little side of hot flushes and unexpected leaks.

Did you miss that lesson in school, or, like most of us, did you just get the one on how babies were made?

But, there's a whole lot more to our lady bits than just reproductive capabilities.

There is also a significant amount of incredible science that goes on down there that is rarely talked about. I mean, if there was a Bill Nye Episode about it, we certainly missed that one.

As a result, many women don't really know that much about their lady bits beyond a cursory understanding of anatomy and hormones, oh, and how to avoid pregnancy. ABSTINENCE… just kidding. We're not insane.

So, What Do I NEED to Know About Menopause?

Many women experience changes to their vagina and urinary system that are largely due to lowering estrogen levels associated with menopause.

Estrogen is involved in maintaining the softness and suppleness of tissues — which matters for keeping things comfortable and feeling like yourself. When those levels are humming along, intimate skin tends to stay soft, plump, and comfortable.

Yes, comfortable. And that, it turns out, is very important. Without it, sex can be a no-go, say goodbye to your fave jeans, and settle into a life of chafed purgatory.

Estrogen is also involved in the natural balance of the vaginal environment — the kind of equilibrium that keeps things comfortable and in balance day to day.

Over time, as estrogen levels shift, that natural balance can change. The tissue may feel drier, and everyday comfort may be affected — which is why so many women find themselves asking questions they never expected to be asking.

What Are the Options?

One option many women explore is topical estriol, a naturally occurring form of estrogen.

Estriol is associated with helping intimate skin look and feel more supple and comfortable — many women describe it as feeling more like themselves again. It's worth a conversation with your healthcare provider to find out if it's right for you.

What Else Can I Do?

1. Keep it clean like a baby, not like a car. You don't need high powered jets, heavy scents or various foaming multi-colored soaps on you. Much like a baby's peachy butt, your lady garden needs gentle, perfume free soaps and for you to steer clear of gels, antiseptics or anything that promises to make you bubblegum flavored.
2. Avoid swamp-butt. We've all been there. Post-gym. Post-nap. Post-grocery store visit. If you're in Arizona or Florida, it's just how your butt is permanently. But, all your exits are co-located, so daily hygiene is key for keeping things in balance down there.
3. Exercise. Running, walking, lifting, yoga or pilates are all great options. The list of things that help keep the pelvic floor toned is long and varied, so find something you love and know that you are helping your lady bits by doing so. And hey, if you get really strong you can even invest in some kegel weights! ;)
4. If you use a pad for any reason, be sure to change it regularly. Loose underwear can allow the pad to shift and aid in the transference of bacteria.
5. Don't hate on discharge. Over the course of the month, and as we mature through menopause and beyond, it is normal to have a discharge that is often white in color. Healthy discharge doesn't have a strong smell or color, and it is there to keep everything in balance, so as long as you're not itchy or sore, then it's all good in the VJJ-Hood.
6. Meditate on your Vajazzle... just kidding, but balance really is key. Keeping things comfortable and in balance down south matters, and if you find your everyday comfort is off, using a gentle, balancing cream may help support everyday comfort down south.

This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.