3 major questions for Women’s Wellness
1. Why am I so tired all the time?
Fatigue during menopause is very common and often has multiple causes. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, women may experience disrupted sleep (due to hot flashes or night sweats), increased anxiety, and mood changes. These factors can lead to persistent tiredness during the day.
In addition, hormonal shifts can affect metabolism, thyroid function, and blood sugar balance, all of which can contribute to low energy. The good news is that with the right treatment—whether it’s lifestyle changes, supplements, or hormone therapy—many women see significant improvement in their energy levels.
2. How can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) help with my symptoms?
HRT can be very effective in relieving many common menopause symptoms. It replaces the estrogen (and sometimes progesterone) your body is no longer producing in adequate amounts.
HRT can help reduce or eliminate hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and even joint aches. It can also support bone health and help maintain skin elasticity.
Whether HRT is appropriate depends on your individual health history, so it’s important to review this with your healthcare provider. If HRT isn’t the right choice for you, there are also non-hormonal treatments and lifestyle strategies that can help manage symptoms.
3. When will this be over? How long does menopause last?
Menopause itself is defined as having no periods for 12 consecutive months. However, symptoms usually start during the perimenopausal phase—this can begin several years before menopause and continue for a few years after.
On average, menopausal symptoms last between 4 to 8 years, but this varies from woman to woman. Some may experience symptoms for a shorter period, while others might notice certain symptoms, like hot flashes or vaginal dryness, persisting longer.
With the right treatment plan, it’s very possible to feel better and maintain a high quality of life throughout this transition.
Sexual wellness is a big topic for many women going through menopause, but it’s one that isn’t always talked about openly. Here are some of the most common questions women tend to ask:
1. Why has my sex drive (libido) decreased? Will it come back?
Many women notice a drop in sexual desire during and after menopause. This is often due to declining estrogen and testosterone levels, which can affect arousal and interest in sex.
Fatigue, mood changes, body image concerns, and relationship dynamics can also play a role. With the right support—such as hormone therapy, vaginal treatments, counseling, or lifestyle changes—many women can regain a healthy level of desire.
2. Why does sex feel uncomfortable or even painful now?
As estrogen levels drop, vaginal tissues can become thinner, dryer, and less elastic (a condition called genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM). This can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
Treatments like vaginal estrogen, moisturizers, lubricants, and non-hormonal therapies (like laser treatments, DHEA suppositories or PRP injections) can greatly improve comfort and sexual satisfaction.
3. Are there safe treatments to improve vaginal dryness and sexual function?
Yes. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is considered a very safe and effective option for many women, even those who may not be candidates for systemic hormone therapy. Other options include non-hormonal moisturizers and lubricants, vaginal DHEA, CO2 laser-based treatments like MonaLisa Touch and PRP injections such as the O-Shot.
It’s very common for women to feel a little embarrassed or unsure of how to bring up sexual wellness at their visit. You can simply say:
- “I’ve noticed some changes in my sexual health since menopause—can we talk about that?”
- “Sex has been more uncomfortable lately—what can I do about it?”
- “I feel like my libido has changed and I’m not sure what’s normal. Can you help me understand what’s going on?”
Starting the conversation helps your doctor know this is something you want addressed—and opens the door to solutions.
If you’re experiencing frustrating menopause symptoms—such as fatigue, hot flashes, sleep issues, low libido, or changes in sexual wellness—you’re not alone. These changes are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply “get through it.”
At Carolina HealthSpan Institute, we’ve been helping women successfully manage their menopause journey for more than 20 years. Our expert team offers advanced, personalized treatments to help you regain energy, restore balance, and feel like yourself again.
Call us today (704) 333-4817 or schedule your appointment online—let’s work together to help you feel your best.