Sex Hurts. Libido’s Gone. Now What?

Hello Warriors!

This week’s Suburban Warrior Podcast dropped a true gem into our midlife wellness toolkit. Dr. Polly Watson — a board-certified OBGYN, certified functional medicine practitioner, and menopause + sexual health expert — joined me for a powerful, eye-opening conversation about what’s really going on in our bodies, our bedrooms, and our bathrooms in midlife.

Her medical expertise is matched only by her empathy. Inspired by her own mother’s experience with early menopause (at 38!) and frustrated by how little training conventional medicine offered on menopause care, Dr. Polly became a leading voice in integrative, whole-woman treatment. She’s been prescribing bioidentical hormones, addressing sexual pain, and shouting the truth about vaginal estrogen from the rooftops — long before it was cool.

Whether you’re dealing with dryness, disconnection, libido loss, pelvic pain, or just curious if you're “normal” — this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Polly’s approach is science-backed, refreshingly real, and filled with smart, actionable advice for every warrior on this midlife path.

7 Truths That Could Change Your Midlife Health—Straight from Dr. Polly Watson

1. Vaginal Hormones Are Safe — and Life-Changing
Full stop. Vaginal estrogen and DHEA (like Intrarosa) are not systemically absorbed and are approved even for women with a history of breast cancer. They can help reverse atrophy, improve sexual comfort, and reduce UTIs by 50%.

2. Sexual Pain Is Common — but Not Normal
Too many women suffer silently for years. Dr. Polly reminds us: if sex hurts, something’s wrong — and there are solutions. From urethral caruncles to estrogen deficiency, it's time to demand better care.

3. Libido Is About More Than Testosterone
Hormones help, but they aren’t magic. Libido in midlife often requires intention, communication, creativity — and yes, sometimes toys. Desire is a muscle, not a reflex.

4. Pelvic Floor PT Could Be Your Secret Weapon
Tight pelvic floors (hello, overachievers!) can compress nerves and reduce sensation. The fix? Pelvic floor physical therapy. And bonus: in many states, you don’t need a referral to get started.

5. Lubricant ≠ Shame — It’s Smart
Using lube isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign of wisdom. Dr. Polly recommends Uberlube (silicone-based) and Good Clean Love or Yes (osmotically balanced water-based). Toss the KY.

6. Genital Dryness Affects More Than Sex
Estrogen-depleted tissues can cause urinary frequency, burning, and increase your risk of infections. Even if you’re not sexually active, vaginal estrogen may be key to protecting your health as you age.

7. Your Midlife Sexuality Deserves Investment
From mindfulness (see Dr. Lori Brotto’s Better Sex Through Mindfulness) to vibrators and self-exploration, midlife is a powerful time to reconnect with yourself. Your pleasure matters.

“Cougar Puberty”: Because One Hormonal Rollercoaster Clearly Wasn’t Enough

Forget teen angst—this time it's joint pain, brain fog, and sudden urges to leave your family and move to Tuscany. Welcome to Cougar Puberty, the internet’s new (and surprisingly accurate) name for perimenopause. It’s the hormone-fueled chaos of puberty… but with better wine, fewer f***s to give, and no awkward prom photos. Women are using the term to describe—and finally laugh about—the strange, unexpected, and often unspoken things happening to their bodies and minds during this wild midlife transition. TikTok is blowing up with women finally naming the weirdness of midlife with humor—and we are so here for it.

Ready to Reclaim Your Sexual Health in Midlife?

Reclaiming your sexual health in midlife isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. Whether you’re dealing with low libido, painful sex, or just feeling disconnected from your body, this is the moment to take charge. The From ‘Pause to Power Roadmap is your free, practical guide to navigating perimenopause with clarity, confidence, and zero shame. Download it now and start feeling like yourself again—only stronger, wiser, and way more unapologetic.

Ready to Warrior Up!

Listen to the Full Episode: Suburban Warrior podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for reading—and remember, knowledge is power! If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them. There is help (and hope) out there. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to keep transforming your mindset and rocking your inner warrior!