Perimenopause & Menopause

Menopause and Marriage

24 Oct, 2024

6 min. Read

Does it feel like menopause and your shifting hormones are changing the dynamic between you and your partner? Painful intercourse after menopause can be difficult and frustrating but it’s completely normal and common!

As you age and your body changes, you might be noticing more vaginal dryness and hormonal shifts that may leave you feeling disconnected, anxious, and frustrated. However, there are many solutions and ways you and your partner can rekindle that spark and enjoy sex after menopause.

Read on to learn more about how you and your partner can navigate this time.

Understanding Menopause as a New Phase in Life

Menopause marks the end of your reproductive years, usually between age 45-55. This change is an emotional journey as much as a biological milestone. Some women can feel overwhelmed, confused, and even fearful of this new time in their lives since they haven’t experienced it before as well as knowing that the days of menstruation over.

Along with the end of your reproductive cycle, women undergo big hormonal changes as some of the first signs of menopause. The decline in estrogen and progesterone can lead to significant mood swings and hot flashes. These symptoms may feel drastic, causing a rush of sweat that can make it hard to focus on even the simplest things. These interruptions can accumulate, making daily tasks feel daunting and challenging.

Remember, menopause is a natural part of aging – a road that shows off your wisdom and growth. Embracing it will help you to normalize this part of the aging process.

The Big Effects of Menopause During Marriage

Additionally, reaching menopause can affect intimacy and change the dynamics of a relationship with your partner. Understanding the effects of physical and emotional transformations are important to embrace this new chapter in your life.

Mood Swings

These are some of the most challenging parts of menopause! You might find that you feel happy one moment and irritable the next. These sudden emotional changes can cause tension and confusion in your marriage. The inconsistency of mood swings can disrupt harmony in your relationship, potentially creating emotional distance. It’s important to talk openly about these feelings and reassure each other that these changes are normal, natural, and temporary.

Urinary Incontinence

The thinning of the urethra can lead to urinary incontinence after menopause. As estrogen levels decline, the tissues in the urinary tract become less resilient. This can lead to frustrating leaks when you cough, laugh, or exercise. This is a completely normal part of life where 1 in 2 adult women over age 20 experience bladder leakage.

The impact of urinary incontinence during menopause can also impact your relationships such as your marriage. It can lead to feelings of sadness, rejection, depression, and confusion that can make it challenging to want to be intimate with your partner. Communication – both your partner and a doctor – can help as you navigate this change in your life.

While menopause can bring changes to your life, managing incontinence doesn’t have to be one of them. With Poise^® pads, you can get back to feeling comfortable and confident every day! Poise^® offers a range of products to meet your needs during this transition. Whether you’re dealing with leaks or need more heavy-duty protection, Poise has a variety of absorbency levels designed just for you.

Vaginal Dryness

Another common issue that can affect intimacy with your partner is vaginal dryness. The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal tissue, making intercourse painful after menopause. This discomfort can cause anxiety around sexual activity with your partner, leading to avoidance and an overall loss of connection. The fear of experiencing potential pain during sex can overshadow the experience altogether and lead to you skipping that romantic evening.

Decreased Libido

Decreased sex drive is a common challenge during menopause, adding another layer of complexity to intimate relationships. Even if you once had fulfilling sex life, a decreased libido can come on suddenly where you might feel guilty, frustrated, rejected, or even depressed.

Additional Common Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a big change in a woman’s life. By recognizing the signs of menopause, you can prepare for this new chapter accordingly. Here’s what to look for:

Hot flashes: Feel like the sun is burning you from the inside? Don’t panic; that’s exactly what hot flashes and night sweats are. These can occur at any time of the day and can disrupt sleep during the night.

Weight gain: As your metabolism slows down with age, you may find it harder to manage your weight. Hormonal changes may lead to weight gain, especially around your tummy. Getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet are important during this time for both your body and state of mind.

Thinning hair: Are you suffering from split ends? With lower estrogen levels, your hair can become brittle and less full. You might notice more strands on your brush or spiraling around the shower drain. This is completely natural; however, it can still be tough on your self-esteem.

Dry skin: At the same time, you might find that your skin is losing its elasticity and moisture. Hormonal changes can lead to drier, more sensitive skin that needs a bit of extra TLC. Try out a new skincare routine with hydrating products and gentle exfoliants to help restore that fantastic glow!

Lack of concentration: Are you experiencing brain fog or finding it hard to focus? These cognitive challenges can be concerning but are most likely temporary and will generally improve with time. Try out activities that engage your mind and keep it sharp such as puzzles, reading, or connecting with friends.

What Your Doctor Can Do for You and Your Partner

Your doctor is a partner in your journey to getting appropriate menopause help where needed. For starters, they can provide a clear diagnosis and explanation of menopause. Chat to them about your signs of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings. They should be able to give you insights into what’s happening to your body and how to cope with your menopause and marriage issues. This reassurance can be a huge relief, knowing your experiences are normal and manageable.

Depending on the extent of your menopausal symptoms, your doctor could prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to replenish estrogen levels. If HRT isn’t the right fit for you, don’t worry – there are plenty of non-hormonal treatments available! These include antidepressants for mood swings and other medications to treat hot flashes.

For dryness and discomfort, your doctor can prescribe vaginal estrogen creams or tablets. These treatments go straight to the source, offering help with vaginal dryness! They might also suggest over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers to help make sex after menopause more comfortable.

Reclaim Comfort with Poise®

Menopause brings plenty of changes, but managing incontinence doesn’t have to be one of them. With Poise^® pads, you can get back to feeling comfortable and confident every day! Poise^® offers a range of products to meet your needs during this transition. Whether you’re dealing with leaks or need more heavy-duty protection, Poise has a variety of absorbency levels designed just for you.

Not sure which product is right for you? Take this simple Poise quiz and answer a few easy questions! We offer personalized recommendations for the best products to manage your incontinence the right way.

"This content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.”

Kimberly-Clark makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.