The vagina does 'atrophy' with age, but I don't think it's an issue before about 65, maybe nearer 60 if you're unlucky.

Vaginal atrophy happens due to decreasing oestrogen levels, something that happens when they are in perimenopause. Some will experience vaginal atrophy as a result of falling oestrogen levels, others will not. But to say vaginal atrophy is not an issue before 60 is incorrect and grossly misleading.

(And fwiw, there are many degrees of vaginal atrophy too, dryness is a very small part of it, but often how it manifests. There are far more serious consequences which can lead to the woman being unable to have penetrative sex.)

Vaginal atrophy happens due to decreasing oestrogen levels, something that happens when they are in perimenopause. Some will experience vaginal atrophy as a result of falling oestrogen levels, others will not. But to say vaginal atrophy is not an issue before 60 is incorrect and grossly misleading.

(And fwiw, there are many degrees of vaginal atrophy too, dryness is a very small part of it, but often how it manifests. There are far more serious consequences which can lead to the woman being unable to have penetrative sex.)

But vaginal atrophy is a very gradual process. Dryness and thinning can start during perimenopause, but in the majority of women actual atrophy (i.e. to the point where sex is painful, or even impossible) isn't noticeable for a few years. Many women can have vaginal sex without problems into their 70s.

PinUpGirl8: I'm not sure who your question was directed to, but I had my last period in Christmas week 2019. Sex was fine over 2019 and the few times I had it in 2020. I do have another job, yes, so only did a handful of bookings in 2020, and none since the November 6th lockdown.

I'm in my forties so this thread is very interesting to me.  I am having some symptoms, like sleeplessness and more frequent bouts of urgent urination/nocturia.  I definitely don't get as messy wet as I used to do, but then again, I used to get excessively lubricated so I feel it is now probably closer to average.  Still it does seem a bit suspect that this all started happening post Covid and I know quite a few long covid women saying that they feel that having had Covid has kick started menopause.

Still my diet is good and I am well into my supplements so I hope this staves off worse symptoms,  my mother didn't go through menopause into her 50s and having had an ovary check I do know that it is likely to take a while as I have a high egg reserve. 

Well I don't know what happened to my 93 year old abuela because my cousin apparently walked in on her and her boyfriend (yes I know) a couple of weeks ago and caught them in the act! yes the actualy act they were full on shagging! so I think the menopause and having a closed up fanny may have missed her somehow. 

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Really glad I found this thread, after visiting my local clinic with a really persistent case of BV and thrush the Dr told me I have an area of atrophy quite high up, and I should speak to my GP about estrogen cream.  I'm not sure if I'm perimenapausal or menopausal having had very few symptoms (I have an IUD so no periods anyway)  but I'm guessing at 54 I am one of the other!  My worry is using an estrogen cream or gel, is it ok to use whilst working and are they condom proof?

Atrophy presents in a myriad of ways including the vaginal walls become thinner and less flexible which makes sex incredibly painful. It can also make penetration difficult. Oestrogen cream does not not affect the vagina directly, although if you have noticed your vagina is not as lubricated as it once was, it will help with this. Instead, you need something topical and low dose (which does not affect your endocrine system directly) - the only thing that will tackle atrophy is a pessary called Vagifem - it is used daily for a fortnight and then bi-weekly. (It is marvellous stuff, I speak from experience!)  If this does not work, the only other option is an estring/oestrogen vaginal ring that sits high up by the cervix.

The pessary is inserted before sleep. The ring sits high up by your cervix. Both are fine to use with a condom.

I recommend you make an appointment with either a GP who actually specialises in menopause or seek a private specialist who does. Ditto Kiss (if you’re reading this). Although I see someone privately, there is a highly regarded GP who specialises in menopause who will see you for a consultation (either in person or online), prescribe and then send the scripts to your GP - just google balance menopause and she is the first result.

It is also worth noting that atrophy can shrink your vulval tissue, particularly around your urethra. As a result, UTI infections are far more common during perimenopause and menopause. Thrush is caused by a candida overgrowth, this is also far more common during menopause due to changes in the gut caused by fluctuating hormones. Consuming less sugar and alcohol will be beneficial, as will looking at your diet in general. Again, a good GP with an interest in women’s health will be able to assist.

Dr Kegel exercises may even help prevent vaginal atrophy. I started doing them recently as a safeguard. They keep our vagina tight or help it become tighter whichever you need. The exercises must be done daily and you clench for three full seconds each time.

I also started getting soreness dry vagina plus itching (I am in my fifties) once clients played with my private parts.  I bought Yes vaginal moisturizing gel which must be used after every shower or afternoon freshen up down below in between ckients. It is organic and you cannot overuse it but once you start using it you should never stop or symptoms will return.  I got better within a week. I do not like to use conventional ointments through the doctor preferring natural routes.

Personally I swear by both these strategies.