We're holding back

 

Yesterday, the 2026 Blue Cross Women’s Health Study confirmed something women in the Menopause Chicks Community have been telling me for years: 

 

 

Nearly two in three women have health concerns they find difficult to raise with their doctor, or that they simply never mention. 

 

What health concern tops the list and WHY ⇣

 

What tops the list?

 

Not heart health. Or breast health. Or menopause.

 

Embarrassment is the leading reason women over 30 hold back. Others worry about being dismissed, judged—or running out of time during an appointment.

 

But if we don’t have the words to talk about our vulva, vagina, bladder, urethra or pelvic health, we can’t access the information and treatment we deserve.

 

So, let’s get comfortable with the facts:

 

 

Our natural production of hyaluronic acid begins declining in our 30s and 40s. Hyaluronic acid supports the natural moisture in our body including our eyes, mouth, skin, vulva, vagina & urethra. Estrogen, our “juicy hormone” plays a similar role; fluctuates and declines during perimenopause, followed by a significant decline at menopause.

 

These changes can affect the skin and tissues of the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder—and contribute to dryness, discomfort and recurring urinary tract infections.

 

As I share in The Vulva & Vagina Dialogues, (tap ˿ to watch for free!) there are TWO important, approved and recommended options to know about:

 

Regular moisturizing is the first-line recommendation for vulva & vaginal dryness. The Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer by Menopause Chicks™ combines high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid with vitamin E and its Health Canada approved and can be used both preventatively and for treating dryness.

 

 

Vaginal hormone therapy is an effective treatment for the genitourinary changes associated with estrogen decline—including vaginal dryness and recurring urinary tract infections. [Vaginal estrogen is recommended by both the Canadian & American Urological Associations for the prevention of re-occurring urinary tract infections.]

 

💬 Want the words to begin that conversation with your doctor—for yourself or someone you love? Tap here for my Script Tips™️

 

When skin cells are dry or the tissue is already sensitive (perhaps it's been a while since you reached menopause, or you've been dealing with this issue for awhile) applying a treatment may cause temporary tingling or even stinging at first—just as very dry skin elsewhere on the body can sometimes react when moisturizer or a treatment is applied.

 

Always address any concerns with your doctor. And know that discomfort is not something you are meant to tolerate. However, in many cases, this sensation represents our skin cells healing (similar to how our very dry elbows might feel when we first start treatment.) It most likely does not mean an allergy to the ingredients. If the sensation is mild and brief, try using less moisturizer, more frequently, while the skin cells adjust to the benefits of regular moisturizing! 

 

The takeaway from this new report is not that women need to become more comfortable suffering in silence.

 

It’s that vulva & vaginal health deserves to be a top priority in every health conversation—and approved treatments belong on your menu of options.

Because you deserve to feel amazing.

 

 

Shirley
Founder, Menopause Chicks

 

P.S. Vulva & vaginal health concerns may be difficult (at first) to raise in conversation—but they should never be difficult to name. Please forward this email to someone you love. This is information every woman deserves to have!