Recently Dr. Gayle MacBride was asked that very question. Here’s her response:
It is absolutely common for women to experience changes that coincide with just before, during, and after menopause. During this time of life women experience changes in their hormones and tend to struggle with maintaining a weight that they are happy with or that they found easier to maintain in their younger years (because as estrogen decreases there is a slowing of metabolism). This often leads women to feeling dissatisfied.
Most commonly women experiences weight gain, difficulty losing that weight, they can have further changes in breast tissue that leads them to sag (being less dense and more fatty when the milk system shuts down), collagen in the skin is more readily lost leading to jowls, slack skin and wrinkles. During this time some women find that their hair will go grey more quickly. They will sometimes grow hair in places they don’t wish to have it.
Internally, they are experiencing vaginal dryness and low libido. They also have osteoporosis (bone density changes) and changes in the elasticity of ligaments (collagen again) which can lead to injuries. Simple activities now can cause lasting pain or limitations.
What can we do about it? Well, control what you can. Stop smoking, if you were a smoker, continue being as active as you are able, eat well, and consult with your doctor about any medications that might help control others issues that arise as you age.
Figure out and be specific about what is bugging you about your body now. Identify the triggers and possibly minimize your exposure to these. If you struggle with seeing your full body in a mirror consider one that just allows you to see the top half or don’t place the mirror where you will be standing unclothed.
Choose clothing that flatters your shape and allows you to feel comfortable. Spend that money on a few outfits that make you great instead of many outfits that are fad driven and don’t fit well.
Be thoughtful about the social and print media you are exposed to. You may want to unsubscribe, unfollow, unlike some media that feeds you unhealthy body image messages and be intentional about seeing ones that are supportive of the menopausal body.
Target and reframe negative thoughts about your body. I think talking to yourself in ways that you would expect a friend to is a good rule to follow. If a friend spoke to you the way you are talking to you and you think, “I wouldn’t be friends with that person”, then stop talking to yourself that way.
Be thoughtful and realistic about the goals that you set for yourself.
Stay active doing something you enjoy.
If you are still interested in an active sex life at this time in your life, make sure you are talking with your doctor about the variety of lubricant options that are best for you.
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