The Ultimate Guide to Reclaiming Intimacy During Menopause

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Definitely Not Broken.


Let’s talk about something that’s common, but rarely discussed: how intimacy changes during menopause. Maybe it starts with a little discomfort. Maybe you notice you’re not feeling "in the mood" like you used to. Or maybe your partner’s confused—and so are you.


If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. As a triple-board-certified OB-GYN, I’ve helped thousands of women navigate these changes with science, compassion, and a little bit of humor. And as someone who experienced early menopause at 39, I’ve lived this journey too.


I want you to know: you are not alone, and what you’re experiencing is normal —but it isn’t inevitable, and you don’t have to just “live with it.” There are real, practical, and empowering ways to thrive in your relationships and your body.


In This Article, You’ll Learn: 

  • Why intimacy shifts during menopause—and what’s really behind it

  • What you can do today to feel confident, connected, and comfortable again

  • How Julva®, Mighty Maca® Plus, and lifestyle changes work together to support your journey

  • What other women wish they had known sooner

  • Science-backed answers to your most frequently asked questions

Why Intimacy Changes in Midlife (It’s Not Just Hormones)

You may have heard it’s all about estrogen—and while that's part of the puzzle, it’s not the whole story.      


What Really Happens:               

  • Estrogen drops, leading to vaginal dryness, thinning skin, and discomfort.
  •  DHEA declines, impacting skin resilience, sensation, and even desire.
  • Progesterone and testosterone levels shift, affecting mood, sleep, and libido.
  • Stress and cortisol rise, blunting oxytocin (your bonding hormone).
  • Life transitions—like aging parents, career changes, or an empty nest—add new emotional layers.

👉 According to the North American Menopause Society, 50% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal symptoms, yet fewer than 25% seek help. In other words, this is normal, but it doesn’t mean you have to just live with it.

Step 1: Moisturize, Nourish, and Love Your Skin Again


 Try: Julva® 

  • A hormone-free, doctor-formulated feminine cream with DHEA and Alpine Rose Stem Cells

  • Designed to moisturize, smooth, and support your most delicate skin

  • Safe for daily use, and yes, it can be applied before intimacy

SHOP HERE


"I had my doubts... but I felt a difference in just a few days." – Verified Julva user

Julva is a cosmetic moisturizer that enhances skin appearance, hydration, and comfort. It is not intended to treat or prevent disease.

 HOW JULVA® FITS INTO YOUR ROUTINE 

  • Use a pea-sized amount daily on external vulvar skin (never internally)
  • Make it part of your morning self-care ritual, just like you would a facial moisturizer

  • Safe to use with hormone therapy or other vaginal moisturizers

  • For a hormone-free option, consider Velvè

Step 2: Rebuild Energy, Mood & Vitality From Within

When your hormones shift, it can feel like your spark disappears. Let’s get it back.


 SUPPORT FROM THE INSIDE OUT WITH:  


 Mighty Maca® Plus

  • 30+ superfoods including maca root, turmeric, and flax

  • Supports energy, metabolism, and hormone balance

  • Doctor-formulated for women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond

SHOP HERE


 🧠 DID YOU KNOW? 


A 2015 double-blind placebo-controlled study found that maca significantly improved sexual function in menopausal women (Brooks et al., Menopause journal).


 MY FAVORITE MORNING RITUAL: 


Stir a scoop of Mighty Maca® Plus into your Keto-Green® Shake for a nutrient-rich breakfast that balances blood sugar, boosts mood, and supports energy all day.

Step 3: Boost Connection with Simple Lifestyle Shifts

This journey isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, relational, and deeply personal.


Intimacy is about connection—to yourself, your body, and your beloved.


Intimacy-Boosting Habits 

  •  Prioritize oxytocin:  Cuddle, laugh, dance, or simply hold hands. Oxytocin is your “bonding hormone” and naturally lifts desire and connection.

  •  Do pelvic floor exercises:  These are not just for leaks—they also improve blood flow, sensation, and confidence.

  •  Minimize stress:  Try 4-7-8 breathing, walks in nature, or journaling. Chronic stress is a major libido killer.

  •  Use mirror work:  Look at yourself with compassion, not critique. Practice saying one kind thing to yourself every day.

  •  Communicate openly:  Share your feelings and needs with your partner. Intimacy begins with emotional safety.


"I used to avoid mirrors. Now, I smile when I see myself again." – Member of the Girlfriend Doctor Club


🧘‍♀️ Consider joining our  Girlfriend Doctor Club for guided challenges, support, and community.

Step 4: Rethink What Intimacy Means

Menopause can actually open the door to a new chapter of intimacy—one that’s less about performance and more about connection, play, and exploration.

  • Explore sensual touch without a goal.

  • Try new forms of connection: massage, shared baths, or simply cuddling with no agenda.

  • Remember, pleasure is about the journey, not just the destination.

Intimacy is not just about intercourse. It’s about feeling seen, valued, and cherished.


 WHAT OTHER WOMEN WISH THEY HAD KNOWN SOONER 


You are not alone in your struggles—or your hopes for more connection. Over the years, women have shared these truths with me:

  • "I wish I had asked for help sooner. I thought it was just me."

  • "Once I started using Julva, I realized how much I’d been missing."

  • "Talking with other women going through this made me feel normal—and hopeful."

  • "I learned that libido starts with how I treat myself, not just what happens in the bedroom."

Your story is still unfolding, and you have more options than you think.

Your Most Frequently Asked Questions: Intimacy During Menopause

Q: What is the best way to improve intimacy after menopause?  
A: Start by nourishing vaginal and vulvar tissue with a quality moisturizer like Julva®, balance hormones with adaptogens like maca, and focus on emotional connection and communication.


Q: Are there natural remedies for menopause intimacy issues?  
A: Yes! DHEA-based creams, maca root, lifestyle practices that reduce stress, and pelvic floor exercises all support intimacy and comfort.


Q: Can intimacy actually improve after menopause?  
A: Absolutely. Many women discover a deeper connection and pleasure once the pressure and expectations of earlier life fade away.


Q: Can I use Julva if I’m on hormone therapy?  
A: Yes, Julva is non-prescription and designed to be safely used alongside bioidentical or conventional HRT. Always talk with your provider if you’re unsure.


Q: How long before I see results with Julva?  
A: Many women feel a difference in comfort within the first week. Skin hydration and confidence often continue improving over 4–6 weeks of consistent use.


Q: What if I’ve had breast cancer or can’t use hormones?  
A: Julva does contain DHEA, so check with your oncologist. For a hormone-free option, we also offer Velvè—a clean, plant-based moisturizer.


Q: What if I’m feeling disconnected from my partner?  
A: Start with self-connection first. Consider trying the 
Sexual CPR  program, which blends science, communication tools, and self-discovery.


Q: Is it normal to feel less sexual desire during menopause?  
A: Absolutely. Hormonal changes, life stress, and even body image shifts all play a role. With support, most women find that their desire and pleasure can return—even stronger than before.


Science-Backed Solutions That Work

 

 Why Moisture and Hormone Support Matter 

  • Vaginal and vulvar dryness isn't just inconvenient—it can make intimacy uncomfortable or even painful.

  • DHEA-based creams (like Julva) have been shown in clinical studies to improve tissue resilience, moisture, and pleasure.

  • Maca root, as found in Mighty Maca® Plus, supports mood, energy, and sexual function through adaptogenic effects on the endocrine system.

Why Addressing Stress Is Essential 

  • Chronic stress increases cortisol, which lowers oxytocin and testosterone—both critical for desire and emotional closeness.

  • Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and gentle exercise support nervous system regulation and improve intimacy.


Your Next Right Step


✨ Here’s what I recommend:

You deserve to feel connected, confident, and vibrant—at every stage of life.


"Menopause is mandatory. Suffering is optional." Let’s choose comfort, confidence, and connection—together.


 External Links 

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* The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any supplement program.

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Dr. Anna Cabeca

Dr. Anna Cabeca

Certified OB/GYN, Anti-Aging and Integrative Medicine expert and founder of The Girlfriend Doctor. During Dr. Anna’s health journey, she turned to research to create products to help thousands of women through menopause, hormones, and sexual health. She is the author of best-selling The Hormone Fix, and Keto-Green 16 and MenuPause.

Learn more about my scientific advisory board.