Sophie Grégoire Trudeau says there's 'no shame' in talking about sex during menopause. Here's what a doctor wants you to know

Yahoo

3 hours ago

The 50-year-old author and mental health advocate didn't shy away from a "risqué" topic during a recent social media video.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is empowering women to take control of their bodies and their health during menopause. Earlier this week, the former television host took to social media to share a message with her followers about an encounter with a woman following a yoga class. According to Grégoire Trudeau, the woman asking her to discuss a "risqué" topic with her more than 369,000 followers on Instagram: sex during menopause.
"Risqué? More like real-squé," the 50-year-old author joked. "There is no shame talking about this because during menopause our relationship with intimacy shifts not just physically but emotionally and psychologically — and even I would say, spiritually."
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Grégoire Trudeau continued by noting that many women experience vaginal dryness, changes in libido as well as discomfort that "nobody warned us about." Others may view menopause as a time to "reclaim" their bodies after "years of roles and expectations."
"But here's the truth — these changes are common and are part of a transition process, a transition phase that can be manageable," she said.
The wellness expert and mental health advocate encouraged followers to speak to their healthcare providers about options to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, including hormone therapies or pelvic floor therapy.
"These aren't just medical options they're conversations about quality of life, connection to your own body," Grégoire Trudeau continued. "Don't be intimidated to ask. Our bodies as women will only open up and blossom if we feel connected and safe physically and emotionally."
While there's the common misconception that women become less sexual during menopause, Grégoire Trudeau encouraged women to rethink the possibilities for their life during and post menopause.
"Menopause doesn't have to be the end of our erotic world and language and sexuality," she said. "It can be the beginning of a more honest and fulfilling relationship own language with our bodies."
The post was met by praise from followers who appreciated Grégoire Trudeau taking on what many may consider a taboo topic.
"I remember hitting menopause and wanting to talk about these things with girlfriends, and no one wanted to go there," a follower said. "But unless we talk about it, we can't discover solutions or learn a few tips."
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You've started such an important conversation and with such grace and thoughtfulness," another added.
"...This conversation is so important and you are amazing for speaking about it," someone said. "Honestly I've only ever heard you and Halle Berry speak on this topic publicly and openly. A lot of women have zero information on any of this and it's really damaging."
While there's been more talk of menopause and the life-changing symptoms it brings, for many women, it still remains a subject shrouded in mystery.
Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, a family physician at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, who is committed to rewriting the narrative surrounding menopause by raising awareness about the sexual changes they may experience and providing expert advice on how to navigate it with confidence.
"As individuals transition through perimenopause into menopause, they experience just a myriad of changes that can significantly impact their sexual function that really, is multifactorial," Wijayasinghe said in a previous interview with Yahoo Canada.
Wijayasinghe explained that these changes are rooted in hormonal fluctuations, primarily involving estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Addressing the elephant in the room: Vaginal dryness
While loss of libido and vaginal dryness are two primary issues that impact women's sexual health during menopause, they're also two of the most challenging things to address with a healthcare professional due to stigma.
"It's not something that patients will necessarily bring up as a first comment. But I'll notice it when I'm about to prepare to do a pap test," Wijayasinghe said, adding that vaginal dryness is one of the "key symptoms" she manages at her primary care office.
Vaginal dryness is one of the vaginal health symptoms included in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), an umbrella term that can also include burning and stinging (dysuria), frequent urge to urinate reccurring urinary tract infections.
Wijayasinghe explained how vaginal dryness can "make sexual activity uncomfortable and painful" and can not only impact someone's quality of life, but also the quality of relationships.
In terms of libido, she says that while many people might notice a decrease in libido due to lower levels of estrogen and testosterone, others may experience the opposite; a sexual awakening.
"Some people actually notice when they transition through to menopause, an increase in libido and increase in arousal because they actually feel more confident in themselves, they are free from periods, they're not worried about getting pregnant," Wijayasinghe said.
What to do when menopause symptoms impact your sex life
Wijayasinghe said "communication is lubrication" when it comes to sexual health. Acknowledging that there are changes happening and then communicating them with your partner can "foster intimacy and lead to a better understanding of each other's needs."
Candid communication with your healthcare provider is also important in finding the best course of action in treating menopausal symptoms.
"It can be really scary to discuss this, but there are solutions that are available that can help improve your overall well being, your quality of life, and your sexual health," Wijayasinghe said.
"...Exercise, proper sleep, mindfulness, relaxation techniques can all help manage stress, improve our mood, improve our self-esteem, our physical health and enhance sexual well-being," she said. "Perhaps considering exploring new avenues of intimacy, where you have a little bit of fun with it, experiment with different ways to connect sexually and emotionally."