Naomi Watts joins SheMD alongside renowned sexual arousal researcher Dr. Cindy Meston for a candid conversation about sex, desire and what happens to women’s bodies during perimenopause and menopause.

Naomi shares her experience learning in her 30s that she was likely entering early menopause, the shame and isolation she initially felt and how opening up about her changing body ultimately transformed her relationship with intimacy. Dr. Meston explains why female sexual desire may work differently than many women have been taught, including why arousal can sometimes come before desire.

She also breaks down the physical and psychological factors that can affect sex, from hormones, blood flow and vaginal changes to stress, sleep, body image and relationships.

Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi discusses treatment options for women experiencing painful sex, vaginal dryness and changes in libido, including vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, vaginal estrogen and testosterone. Plus, Naomi explains why she believes menopause can be an empowering new chapter rather than the end of pleasure, intimacy or good sex.

Sponsors

Sarah Pharmaceuticals / The PreTRM Test: Learn more about the PreTRM test at pre-term.com and talk with your healthcare provider about whether it may be appropriate for you.

Momentous: Try Momentous Signature Spec Creatine at livemomentous.com and use code GMD or CMD POD for up to 35% off your first order.

David Protein: Buy four cartons and get the fifth free at davidprotein.com/cmd.

Talkiatry: Visit talkiatry.com/cmd to complete a short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist.

‍

What You’ll Learn

• Why Naomi Watts' personal experience with early menopause inspired her to help change the conversation around women's health.
• The lesser-known symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including brain fog, sleep disruption, dry eyes, vaginal dryness, and painful sex.
• How hormonal changes can affect vaginal health, lubrication, and urinary symptoms.
• Why sexual arousal can precede desire for many women, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.
• How stress, exercise, relationship dynamics, and negative thoughts can influence sexual arousal and intimacy.
• What treatment options are available for vaginal dryness and painful sex, including moisturizers, lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and other therapies.
• Why open communication with your partner and a knowledgeable healthcare provider is essential to navigating changes in sexual health.
• How Naomi's experiences and conversations with women inspired Stripes' sexual wellness products.
• Why menopause can be a new chapter of confidence, self-advocacy, and sexual fulfillment rather than the end of a satisfying sex life.

Key Takeaways

• Menopause affects more than hot flashes. Hormonal changes can influence sleep, mood, cognition, skin, eyes, vaginal health, and sexual comfort, sometimes years before menopause itself.
• Female desire and arousal don't always follow a linear pattern. For many women, particularly as they age, arousal can come before desire. Understanding this can help women move away from the expectation that sexual desire must always happen spontaneously.
• Sexual health involves both the mind and the body. Physical changes, stress, fatigue, body image, relationship dynamics, and distracting thoughts can all influence arousal and intimacy.
• Painful sex should not be accepted as an inevitable part of aging. Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and other treatment options may help, depending on individual needs and medical history. Women experiencing persistent pain should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
• Communication can transform intimacy. Talking openly with a partner outside the bedroom about changing needs, comfort, and pleasure can help couples adapt and maintain connection throughout different stages of life.
• Women deserve individualized, evidence-informed care. There is no single approach to sexual health during menopause. Working with a clinician knowledgeable in menopause and sexual medicine can help women understand their options.
• Menopause is not the end of a fulfilling sex life. Naomi's story underscores the importance of challenging stigma, listening to women's experiences, and giving women the confidence to advocate for their health and pleasure.

‍