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As women age, our estrogen level depletes and all sorts of things get less supple. Even regular use of moisturizers and lotions fails to keep up with the impact of hormonal loss on our face, neck, arms, legs. Hair thins. Some women grow facial hair (not me, thank God.) Some women’s leg and arm hair completely disappears. (This IS me, thank God. No more shaving!)

This mature couple looks happy, but Gloria would bet dollars to Donuts Delite donuts that their bedroom life needs a little something because he’s got ED and she suffers from symptoms of estrogen deficiency. So today, we’re going to talk dirty little truths about aging.

Some people have a very easy time with menopause. One of my aunts had hot flashes for years, the kind that made her perspire profusely all day every day. I had about a dozen hot flashes and that was that. I never had PMS, either. I just kind of slid through all the female realities.

Remember when the big sales pitch on menopause was that sex was better
because pregnancy was no longer a risk? Did you buy that?
But Gloria raises the specter of a big drop off in libido post-menopause
due to hormonal changes. Apparently, it’s not common for women
to be as hot to trot after menopause.

This was a huge shock.
You might ask, how could this be a shock, doesn’t she read?
Of course I read. But dry and tearing like RICE PAPER????
Holy moley.
This gives the “dry humping” of our teenage years
a whole new meaning.

Turns out, there are prescription potions, lotions and gels women can apply locally
to make things more …. youthful. Oh, and comfortable. Less like rice paper.
Perhaps Gloria wasn’t willing to do that.

But, apparently, hormone deficiency can also cause female parts
to ATROPHY after menopause.
Ok, so why didn’t someone tell us this?
And when that happens, this is what women are prescribed:I know. You’re used to seeing them in fun colors like purple and pink.
And with batteries. And what the hell is that metal handle??
Their official name is medical grade vaginal dilators, but here’s what they really are:
DILDOS in graduated sizes.

Isn’t it tempting to name them Teeny, Meeney, Miney and Whooaa?
Yes. Women are invited to…insert these…for a period of time a day.
Just kick back and read or something.

Now, this is the fun version of those dilators. It’s my stash from the BlogHer conference. Compare it with the medical grade, plain white version above. No batteries or electricity on those, either. Perhaps the doctors who invented these would take suggestions.

On the other hand, is there anything stranger than a purple or pink dildo?
Maybe it’s just too distracting. Or too much fun for medicine.

Well, there you have it. I’ve educated you.

So, to men: if your woman is of that certain age, you can bet your bottom dollar that she’s got some of the same issues. Don’t automatically think it’s you. It’s probably not you at all. Oh, ok, maybe it IS you. But more likely: It’s hormones. You’re simply going to have to help her get creative and also suggest she talk to her GYN.
Who knows, she may get prescribed some potions and a nice set of dildos like these.

And an opportunity to get creative in the bedroom. (Oh, live a little!)

Oh, and there’s good news. Kathy closed her TV special by telling us that after
all the creams and potions, her vagina is like a Goodyear tire.
Good to know.

Thank you, Kathy, for that menopause education.