“Your vagina isn’t broken—it’s just thirsty.”
My gynecologist’s words hit me like a slap at her Toronto office in Canada.
“What you’re experiencing is called vaginal atrophy. And according to recent Canadian research, it happens to over 60% of women after menopause.”
I gripped the paper covering on her exam table, the crinkly sound matching my nerves.
“But I’ve been living with this for years,” I whispered, dabbing my eyes. “I thought this was just… my new normal.”
She nodded.
“Let me guess—you’ve tried every lubricant from Shoppers Drug Mart? The ones that promised to feel ‘just like natural’ but left you feeling like you’d applied superglue?”
I let out a surprised laugh. That’s exactly how it felt.
“And when those didn’t work, you started the avoidance dance? Going to bed early, staying up late, suddenly developing a passionate interest in watching reruns of Schitt’s Creek?”
The tears started again—because she’d just described my marriage perfectly.
“James and I…” my voice cracked. “We sleep with a wall of pillows between us now. He doesn’t even try anymore. Last week, he stopped reaching for my hand during our evening walks along the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre.”
She pulled out her chair—that familiar squeak of medical office furniture—and leaned in close.
“Let me show you what’s happening.”
She drew three simple circles.
📌 First – When estrogen drops after menopause, collagen production plummets. Your vaginal tissue becomes like a rubber band that’s lost its stretch.
📌 Second – Your body produces less hyaluronic acid, its natural moisturizer. Without it, tissues become dry and prone to tearing.
📌 Third – And this is crucial… your vaginal microbiome gets completely disrupted.
“Wait,” I interrupted. “You’re saying this isn’t just about hormones? That there’s actually something breaking down in the tissue itself?”
“Exactly!” She smiled.
“So… how do I fix this, Doc? I don’t want to rely on messy lubricants from London Drugs for the rest of my life.”
Dr. Wilson nodded understandingly—then she snapped off her latex gloves and started typing on her computer.
“What we’re going to do is focus on improving your vaginal collagen and hyaluronic acid levels, restoring hydration, elasticity, and balance in your microbiome—all the key factors your body needs to thrive.”
She continued, “That’s why I recommend solutions that work holistically, addressing all of these areas at once. It’s the only way to make lasting changes.”
