You may have gone through menopause early. That could be confirmed with a blood test, FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone. Follicles produce estrogen. When ovaries have used up all of their egg follicles, the estrogen levels fall, and the pituitary gland in the brain tries to stimulate the ovaries to make more estrogen by releasing more FSH. So a high FSH level is characteristic of menopause, but it can fluctuate for several years, called the menopause transition. Low estrogen levels cause the lining of the uterus to thin, as well as the lining of the vagina. The vagina also becomes less elastic and drier, which causes the pain during sex.

Although you can replenish vaginal moisture with over the counter products, lubricants, or nut oils, nothing will restore the elastic tissue, the blood flow, the thickness of, or the pH of the vagina except prescription estrogen products or a SERM called Osphena. If you were my patient I would ask you to come in for an exam and if the above were confirmed we would discuss treatment options and you would decide which you preferred.

Jill Chambers