I am 48 years old. My periods have been crazy for a year. My question is....my vaginal sensation is almost gone. I can have an orgasm through clitoral stimulation and I have lubrication so I am not dry. It feels half numb at times and totally numb a few times. I get aroused and lubricated but during intercourse there is no pleasure sensation and a novacaine type feeling. I had saliva testing done and my progesterone is about zero while estrogen and testosterone seemed normal. I had CAT scans, MRI's, went to physical therapy for kegels, had gyno exam and nothing comes up. All is well. This is distressing for me. I tried a natural progesterone cream for a month but gave up because it didn't help any. I see on the internet that clitoral sensitivity goes down, but what about vaginal sensitivity and what can I do about it???? Does it last forever? My husband and I had a great sex life and now there is this lack of feeling in me and is breaking my heart!
Hi, yes it o sounds like heart breaking. I guess many women and plus their man go through it. One of the difficulties of life and aging! Being a women is ALWAYS HARD. All the best.
I'm the same age as you and going through the same thing.
I really never had a high sex drive and now I have 0 sex drive.
I don't even talk to my doctor about it.
So sorry to hear this. I have the same problem. We went from every night and twice on Sunday to no sex at all. At about the same age as you. My doctor is not that interested. I am on HRT oestrogel and Utrogestan the GP would not test or prescribe testosterone. S
Your hormone levels are normal. Yes normal for a lady of your age. I have found addressing the hormones has helped considerably. Going from no sex at all to a few times a week and I have only been taking these things for 6 weeks.
Hope you find an answer.
Thank you!! I have hope then? So you are supplementing with estrogen? Is that what those products are? My estrogen is normal but my progesterone is gone so I am trying to supplement with progesterone cream.
Zigangie, did you also have a loss of sensation in the vagina?
Yes from about 46 years of age. I ended up only being able to have clitoral orgasm by 50 then it went to only being able to achieve those with a heavy duty vibrator and a very long time. For the last year very difficult and no sensation. Orgasm almost there but not quite so horribly frustrating.
I then read a lot about Professor John Studd's work and what he recommends.
My GP would not hear of testosterone but gave me tibolone on my request (this is the only HRT containing a form of testosterone). Withing 3 weeks I began suffering breathing problems so she took me off it.
I checked what John Studd uses (oestrogel gel Utrogestan and testosterone). My GP would not test for or prescribe testosterone. I found it after much research. Ordered some and I had a really massive improvement almost from day one. I then went back to my GP and requested to go on the other HRT items mainly because I was getting cystitis and was very dry and sore (but up for sex again).
I am a little worried as it does say to get your testosterone levels checked. But what the heck I'm so much happier a spring in my step and return of confidence. My quality of life has improved loads. My husband is also a lot happier.
I have also had improvements with my sleep, which over the last few years has been pretty nonexistent.
Hope this helps.
Hi, so can you tell us what products you bought from the Australian company please...if it helps with sleep and anything else...I'll look into it.
Thank you
I asked my gyno about the numb feeling and she said she had no idea. Was your feeling of numbness as in no feeling or just not being interested or aroused in sex? Or do they go together? Because I can have an orgasm with clitoral stimulation, but then if we start having intercourse, its like its gone. I am at my wits end with all of this. The neurologist wasn't nice and said it was anxiety. I said no, because I've always had some sort of anxiety and never this issue.
I know exactly what you mean. My GP tried to talk me into couple counselling. I told her it has nothing to do with my relationship because I have no interest even on my own.
I always had a very high sex drive. When I was in the peri my periods started being really erratic and I would go a few months without one and those months sex was just not as interesting for me as it had always been. It was my husband who noticed I was far more interested sometimes and he was able to predict that I was soon going to have a period by my sexual response.
I also began to notice that my boobs were not as full on the months I didn't get one.
After a few days of using the testosterone cream my vaginal area sort of came back to life. Hard to explain about half an hour after I put the cream on it was almost as if blood was returning to it as in when you get pins and needles and then move and the feeling comes back.
Yes its 1% testosterone cream. Australia is the only country who have a testosterone cream especially for women. We used to have a patch here in the UK but it has been discontinued.
Some women are lucky. Your GP is allowed to prescribe mens testosterone off licence. But mine would not. If you were to go privately, you would be be prescribed estrogen progesterone and testosterone. That would be nice but I looked into it and quite expensive. I would not be able to afford it.
I also did a lot of reading on tests that have been done with women on testosterone. Some of the studies have gone on for 10 years so I feel quite safe using it for a while.
I have been using it for six weeks then added in oestrogel and Utrogestan. The utrogestan has made me bleed again so I'm thinking I will use the testosterone only when I'm not bleeding. It's not hugely expensive, around £60 for about 100 days at 0.5 ml or 50 days for 1 ml. I have been using the higher dose and I've just finished the first tube.
I think we have probably had sex around 15 times since I started using it (compared to maybe once a month or less) I have also had an orgasm and sometimes several on each occasion. We would have had sex more times than that as well if I had not had a nasty bout of cystitis.
My sleep had improved a bit with just the testosterone and again the second week into the oestrogel.
Although I haven't had too many hot flushes. I had become just much hotter generally especially at night time that has got a lot better as well.
I am going back to my regular Dr and getting referred to another neurologist. The last one I had scanned my head and upper back but not my lower back. He chalked the whole thing up to anxiety. I can't believe that because my rectum is numb at times too. I just can't believe that menopause would literally make me feel completely numb in my vagina and rectum. It sounds like a nerve entrapment to me so I am getting a second opinion. I have always heard of a lessened sensation at menopause but numb or 50 percent numb? It just doesn't sound right to me. I actually couldn't feel a bowel movement at times!
Read my new post below on nerve entrapment and see what you think.
Hi HopeAgain,
I don't know if you read the Daily Mail? But I think it was either Friday or Saturday there was an article in there about the hidden side of menopause.
It was basically saying that some women become incontinent at this time and that many just put up with it.
Obviously get it checked out with a neurologist, but from what I read the other day it does seem that your symptoms could be menopause related.
I have noticed that I now need to wee very urgently and so often it's become a joke for my husband and daughter. I can sometimes go to the loo then go out straight away to the shops and almost as soon as I'm in the supermarket I need the loo.
I've also noticed that the flow of urine is just not the same as it was there is no force behind it like there always was and it kind of dribbles out.
I knew women have trouble with urinary incontinence but in the paper it said some women have bowel incontinence too.
The article totally freaked me out!
I don't have bowel incontinence. When I feel pressure to go I go but I can't feel it coming out and when I wipe my behind there is no feeling. Or when I wash in the shower. It is numb like as if I had a novacaine shot at times.
I could not really describe mine as numb (the whole area) but very lacking in sensation.
I think I told you some sensation returned a few days after using testosterone cream. Almost like the feeling of sensation returning after having had pins and needles.
I was only thinking now you have said you can't feel a bowel movement sometimes if this numbness or lack of sensation is maybe why some women become bowel incontinence after menopause?
Hoping you get it all sorted out though and if the neurologist can find nothing untoward maybe try testosterone.
Hi. I'm a 46 yr old who began to experience extreme menopausal symptoms at 43, 11 years after a subtotal hysterectomy (still have ovaries). While it was clear for about 4 years that menopause was near (thinner vaginal tissue, insufficient lubrication, flagging libido, occasional mild hot flashes)... sex was still an incredibly pleasurable experience. Then one day, while at work, it happened... a hot flash that was all consuming, like an inferno within my body. Sweat drenched my hair and soaked my shirt within seconds, I couldn't stay standing nor could I catch my breath. Within about two weeks, I was barely sleeping, couldn't think, I was depressed and I out of nowhere, my appitite for sex began to soar only to find that I had no pleasurable clitoral OR vaginal sensation and sex began to cause pain and bleeding. And then the constant vaginitis set in. I had one infection after another. My GP had me on constant antibiotics. after about 6 months of this, I threw in the towel and decided that I could not live like this anymore. The worst thing was the absolute displeasure with my sex life. I was so distressed as my husband and I always had an extremely good sex life. I went to my GYN (a firm believer in HRT. She didn't even test my blood or saliva. She said it is irrelevant information because the symptoms were clear evidence of menopause and that I was one of many whose estrogen and progesterone declined rapidly compared to my testosterone. So... she immediately prescribed the Estrogen patch, which I change every third day and 100 mg of daily progesterone. She said that in time my testosterone would also decline and that if, in 12 weeks, I was not happy with the results, come see her again and we'd talk about other hormones. So, 12 weeks later, I was back. I no longer suffered from vaginal infections, I was sleeping and thinking again. I had a fairly normal body thermostat, i was having regular sex again (which I no longer was desiring) and... it was so BLAH! I was beginning to resent my husband who was 50 at the time and just as sexually needy as a 20 yr old man. And he enjoyed it thoroughly while I was left feeling empty and depressed. I still had NO sexual sensation and the closest I could come to an orgasm was with a high powered vibrator and still... I would get to the edge and it would disappear. My husband and I were trying unsuccessfully to navigate this new "normal". Strangely, the new normal included lowered skin sensitivity all around. So, stroking my arm, playing with my hair, erotic message, kissing my neck, etc... fealt DULL! My GYN said I just needed some testosterone. She prescribed it as a cream to be rubbed into my thigh, once a day. Insurance does not cover it which is fine because I get it at a mixing pharmacy. 20.00/mo. My GYN said that if it is not improved in 12 weeks we could increase the dose and consider adding DHEA. 12 weeks later... much improved however, though I could now have clitoral orgasms, vaginal sensation still dull. This hurt a little because I am one of those lucky ones who could always have an orgasm through intercourse alone and for whom even without an orgasm on occasion, it was still emotionally and sexually satisfying. Anyways, she did increase my T a little and gave me a kit to collect and send a saliva sample for DHEA and other hormone testing. Insurance doesn't pay... so I didn't bother. Now, I went on a research quest that is still ongoing because while my research has caused great improvement... I think there's still the possibility of finding something new, since science is finally investigating women's sexuality and satisfaction in menopause. I've added DHEA (GNC sells it) to my hormone compliment. Because I can't buy it from a mixing pharmacy without a prescription, I have to take it orally, which is not the best route as it must pass through the liver, which results in byproduct being created. So, I had to think long and hard about it. I decided to take it because it is a hormone that is strongly associated with youth. As we age, it decreases. The addition of DHEA would help my body all around and it would greatly improve my satisfaction with sex... I hoped. I just had to make sure my liver got regular breaks! So I started with 25 mg/2 X/day/mon-Friday. (We don't need much but when taking it orally, the amount we actually get is much less than what we take). After 12 weeks, I had to increase it. I started 50 mg/2X/day/Monday-Friday. The results are amazing. Vaginal sensation, somewhat improved, strength of orgasm markedly improved. However, still took FOREVER to get there and too briefly did it last. Then I thought... I don't technically NEED progesterone, as I have no uterus. Can I live with the resulting sleep problems and foggy brain? I stopped taking it about a month ago. I'm having a little difficulty sleeping, which Benadryl fixes. Slight difficulty thinking. Takes forever to orgasm BUT... my vagina is a wee bit happier. And strength/length of orgasm is much, much better! I've had to accept that menopause changes things. Acceptance is hard but it doesn't mean that sex is not going to be enjoyable. It means... it's different. I'll never orgasm again without a very powerful tool. But we've learned to find positions that increase contact between penis and G spot (doesn't engorge the same as it used to) and give me the ability to tighten every muscle and use my vibrator at the same time. Then it's a very positive experience. Not like it used to be but that's ok. We've gone through much in these last couple of years: anger, frustration, sadness, laughter and joy as we rediscover our individual sexuality and our sexual experiences as a couple. Do NOT give up hope! And do NOT accept substandard treatment from your DR! Demand better or find a new one! Even women who have or have had breast cancer or blood clots CAN SAFELY USE HORMONES! Bioidentical, transdermal hormones do not get processed by the liver, thus there are no dangerous toxins cast off into your system. Find a DR that believes that women deserve the same care in menopause as men have been getting for the last two decades (ED drugs). We deserve to enjoy one of Gods greatest gifts... sexual pleasure between two loving and trusting adults! God Bless... keep your hope alive!
I read this and wanted to cry because here I am a year later and still the same problem. Not as bad but nowhere what it used to be. We had a beautiful sex life and it still is not right. I have tried oral pills which I stopped taking. I tried Evamist but didn't like it. It didn't do anything to help and I didn't like how it sprayed unevenly. I am currently on Estrogel which I just started yesterday and 1.25 mg of testosterone. I look in the mirror and I just look old and swollen and droopy. I am depressed severely. My libido is gone for the most part still. It has been devestating. What type patch are you on and the strength? How much testosterone do you use? My testosterone cream from a compounding pharmacy is 1.25 mg. and I am sure it isn't enough. I have to use this new approach for 2 weeks before she rechecks my levels and does anything different.
Also, you found that removing the progesterone helped you more sexual? I hated the progesterone as I found it made me bloat and gain weight. It did give me a more sexual response but I didn't like the side affects.
I cannot see the first reply you wrote. It still says waiting for approval by moderator. As far as the second one you wrote, yes I did find that removing the progesterone helped. The reason I considered not taking it is because it is actually an anti testosterone. Testosterone and Estrogen are both responsible for sex drive. Of course that's imperative to keep us interested. Estrogen brings blood flow to the genitals and keeps the V tissue supple and healthy. (Also, by making the tissue healthy, good bacteria will live there, thus eliminating the bacterial infections common in menopause)The testosterone makes our nerves more sensitive to erotic/sexual stimulation. Enter progesterone. This lovely hormone thickens and prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg. When we are ready for fertilization to occur, our E and T are higher and our P dips. We became interested in and responsive to sexual stimulation. If the result is a fertilized egg being implemented in the uterine lining, the progesterone begins to spike rapidly to keep the uterine lining well nourished while the other hormones begin to decline, resulting in less interest in sex. Progesterone is a major component to the mix of pregnancy hormones. We've already conceived and don't need high levels of E and T, therefore we don't have a strong drive. Progesterone is like a mediator. It does have excellent benefits. Helping our skin stay soft, helping us feel emotionally well, clear thinking, etc... and if you have a uterus it's imperative that you take progesterone if you take estrogen, as it negates the impact of estrogen. People who take estrogen only have a higher risk of uterine cancer. Therefore those in menopause who have uteruses and take E, must take P.
I don't have a uterus and I chose to stop the P for 2 reasons. I want the full affect of my E and T and also I don't want to risk the one danger of Progesterone... blood clots. If you have a uterus, talk to your DR, please before considering the elimination or addition of any hormones. As for DHEA... it's a steroid hormone. its good for you but too much of anything or taken orally (as I do) can have consequences. If you can afford a saliva test, get one and then see if your DR will prescribe it, to be mixed in a medium that you rub into your skin.