Urinary Tract Infections
As menopause approaches, the decline in estrogen levels thins the urethra, making you more infection-prone.
Do this: Ask your doctor about a preventive antibiotic. "I tell my patients who regularly get these infections to take an antibiotic after sex if there is an association between the infection and intercourse," Iglesia says. (But do not take the antibiotic more than once in a 24-hour period.)
Or this: Urinate both before and after sex, Iglesia suggests. Before, because bacteria around your urethra could be pushed up during intercourse; after, because you've got your partner's germs to flush out also.
Low Libido
More than twice as many perimenopausal women complain of low libido and other sexual dysfunctions compared with those who are not perimenopausal, the Penn Ovarian Aging Study found. A small portion of the problem can be attributed to shifting hormones, but most of it likely springs from relationship issues and other stresses.
Do this: Erotic books, videos, and role-playing can prime your brain -- which is the largest sex organ you've got, says Hilda Hutcherson, MD, author of Pleasure. And consider couples counseling if necessary.
Or this: Apply a packet of the botanic oil Zestra (available in pharmacies) to your clitoris five minutes before intercourse, Hutcherson suggests. This increases sensitivity of nerve endings and therefore boosts desire.
Dry Eyes
Dips in estrogen reduce secretions in many parts of the body, and the eyes are no exception, says Lama A. Al-Aswad, MD, assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at New York's Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Do this: Lubricate your eyes with drugstore drops. "If you use drops more than four times a day, choose brands that are preservative-free, or the preservative may further dry out the eyes," Al-Aswad advises.
Or this: Turn away from the computer every few minutes to an hour (depending on how dry your eyes get), and blink, blink, blink. We tend to keep our eyes open when intensively reading, which causes our tear film to evaporate, Al-Aswad explains.
Gas or Bloating
The link between this problem and shifting hormones isn't clearly understood, but estrogen receptors in the bowel may play a role, Santoro says.
