Can sex be good after menopause with no HRT??

Posted , 4 users are following.

I went through a nightmare of perimenopause. Panic attacks and a terrible loss of feeling in the vagina. I lost my libido which was horrible because I've been married for 31 years and we always had a great sex life and the last 2 years have been horrible. Not due to pain but due to the panic attacks and lack of feeling in the vaginal area. My question is....can you NOT take HRT and still enjoy a great sex life? Is the feeling still really good?? Does it take forever to get aroused? If you don't take it does your vagina stay dry forever? I guess I want to know if eventually it all works out and you gain your libido again and the lubrication. If you have tried any method of HRT or not let me know what worked for you please! I also want to know the difference you might have noticed with oral HRT or just the vaginal creams. I want my sex life back!

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    My mom had the same issue, she was given premarin cream. I believe it worked out well for her, when things went back to normal they used an otc gel.
  • Posted

    I too am suffering with this issue.  You haven't mentioned if you are at the point where you are menopausal? Perimenopause hit me in the mid forties.  My hormones were bouncing all over the place.  Had some night sweats, yet was often super soppy down stairs.  My desire was off the charts.  For me, it was four years after my final period when the vaginal atrophy and dryness set in.  

    All woman are different, but there are some very negative outcomes for sex lives when these hormonal changes take effect.  And it's very difficult to want, or enjoy sex when there is pain involved.  The vaginal vault can shrink, UTIs can become a problem, some woman can even have pain just from walking.  Arousal takes a lot of time, and orgasms can become difficult to achieve.  Life certainly changes.  

    I would also like to know, if woman have ever seen a reversal of these unpleasant symptoms once they set in.  Or if the only option is to use hormone therapy to correct/effect this problem.  

    • Posted

      My vagina shrunk bad right after I was diagnosed with menopause. After I started the HRT it did get better but I started worrying about staying on it and was having problems so wanted to know if this sex thing ever gets better. I never did have such horrid dryness that it hurt. For me, it was just numb feeling and maybe that's why it didn't hurt?? About 6 months before I was said to be in menopause and no longer menopause I would just be sitting there and all of a sudden I would feel my vagina just clamp up. This could happen while watching TV! It hurts so bad. My husband kept saying it felt like I was pushing him out. I asked my endocronologist who was supposed to be helping me with hormones and she said she had no idea what it was from. I have found menopause to be a very hard, hard time. It seems most Dr.s just don't know much. I find most of my info online. But, the dryness and tight feeling are definatley helped by the Estrace cream. Estrace is also PH balanced unlike Premarin. But, its the pills for HRT that I am at a loss to. I need something because my skin is soooo dry I can hardly shave and my mood is horrible. 

    • Posted

      I am in full menopause. I am 49. They did a FSH test and it showed I was. I have probably been in perimenopause for about 10 years?? But, the last 2 years were a living, horrid nightmare. I literally thought I was psycho!!! I am not kidding. 
  • Posted

    I went through this but for a bit, and yes, it does go away. I didn't use hormone therapy for it. Although we tried different otc creams, which worked for a bit, then using something else, like gel, all seem to have helped, but the one that helped me the most was taking Vitamin C as it, in at least my body and a few other lady friends I suggested they take it, seems bring back some of the desire.

    My gyne said try every possible alternative first before we move to Premarin, and I'm happy to say that along with everything else I tried, like watching p_rn, learning from a psychologist online how to be more sexual, and watching yt videos on sexual things, that I shifted my body & mind to stop thinking that I couldn't have a sexual life. Taking vitamin D3 gave me a positive outlook on life and C gave me sexual desire, so both of these worked vitamins and being proactive to help myself I was able to enjoy it again. I will tell you there were times when I didn't feel much pleasure but I wasn't concerned about it, because I knew it would take a little time before it came back. If it gets dry keep using gel, hopefully your husband will be patient and sympathetic to help you out, because afterall it is a two-way street.

    • Posted

      Oh my husband is really the very best. He has stood by me while I sobbed, ran out of stores, and pretty much was nuts. LOL. He is very patient. I am fortunate that way. smile 

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