A dry or itchy vagina

As your oestrogen levels decrease the lining of your vagina becomes thinner and less lubricated. This can cause pain during sex.

Tips and treatments

• Use a lubricant during sex. You can buy special ones at the chemist.
• If the pain is severe and persistent check with your doctor to ensure that you don't have an infection.
• Make sure your partner knows about your symptoms.
• Increase the amount of time you spend on foreplay before intercourse as this can increase your natural vaginal lubricants.

Bladder problems

These can include wanting to go to the loo more frequently, having continence (control) problems or frequent infections such as cystitis.

Stress incontinence means leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or exercise. Changes in hormone levels can cause weakness in the muscles that control the opening of the bladder as well as the pelvic floor muscles.

Tips and treatments

• When going to the toilet lean forward so that you gently 'squeeze' the bladder and empty it completely. This makes infections less likely.
• Drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea and coffee and some soft drinks can irritate the bladder. The same goes for alcohol and it may be best to avoid these if you find you are going to the loo more than you used to.
• To improve control and prevent problems try pelvic floor muscle exercises. These involve repeatedly tightening and relaxing the muscles that control the flow of urine. Ask your doctor or practice nurse for information on how to do these.