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140 | Where Did My Libido Go—and How Can I Get It Back? | Dr. Polly Watson

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Jul 29, 2025

Guest

Dr. Polly Watson

Dr. Polly Watson, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause/sexual medicine specialist, brings 20+ years of experience in hormonal and functional care. She discusses menopausal sexual symptoms like low libido, vaginal dryness, and pain. Conversations cover vaginal hormones and local therapies, pelvic floor physical therapy, mindfulness for sexual distress, lifestyle supports, lubricants versus moisturizers, and midlife sexual reinvention.

52:39

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ADVICE

Treat Genitourinary Syndrome With Vaginal Hormones

Use vaginal hormones as a first-line, safe treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause because systemic absorption is minimal.
Options include vaginal DHEA (Intrarosa), estradiol creams, and targeted application to urethral caruncles for symptom relief.

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ADVICE

Choose Vaginal DHEA To Hit Both Receptors

Consider vaginal DHEA (Intrarosa) to target both estrogen and testosterone receptors in urogenital tissues for broader symptom relief.
DHEA is delivered in food-grade fat, is non-fragranced, and may dissolve latex condoms so counsel accordingly.

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ADVICE

Treat Vaginal Atrophy To Reduce UTIs And Nighttime Urination

Treat vaginal atrophy to reduce urinary symptoms and UTIs; vaginal estrogen or DHEA cuts UTI risk by about 50%.
Preventing recurrent UTIs lowers antibiotic exposure and serious downstream risks like falls and sepsis in older adults.

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Dr. Watson's journey into menopause care

03:01 • 3min

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Why functional medicine matters in menopause

05:41 • 3min

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Common menopausal sexual symptoms missed by clinicians

08:22 • 5min

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Vaginal hormones are safe and effective

13:01 • 1min

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Top local therapies: vaginal DHEA and estradiol options

14:01 • 3min

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Why messier creams can work better

16:59 • 6min

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Libido is complex; testosterone is one tool

22:44 • 3min

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Practical lifestyle work to support desire

25:32 • 37sec

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Mindfulness programs improve sexual distress

26:09 • 2min

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Pelvic floor physical therapy for pain and sensation

28:00 • 1min

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Loss of genital sensation: check cardiovascular health

29:25 • 4min

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Midlife sexual reinvention and tools

33:54 • 3min

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Relationship boredom and maintaining desire

36:25 • 3min

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Testosterone, spironolactone, and unintended effects

39:14 • 3min

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Lubricants, moisturizers, and osmolality matters

42:15 • 3min

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Recommended lubricant types and brands

45:08 • 2min

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Combining lubricants, moisturizers, and hormones

47:10 • 4min

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Where to find Dr. Watson and resources

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Did you know that sexual health is just as important as any other part of our health?

My next guest is Dr. Polly Watson, a board-certified OBGYN with over 20 years of experience specializing in menopausal, sexual, and functional medicine.

Dr. Watson's journey into this field was inspired by her own mother's early menopause experience, and she is passionate about empowering women to take charge of their health.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

The significance of addressing sexual health during menopause
Common symptoms like low libido, vaginal dryness, and sexual pain
The role of hormones and how they affect sexual wellness
The importance of pelvic floor physical therapy
Effective treatments and products for managing menopausal symptoms
The concept of sexual discordance and the need for lubrication

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand the impact of menopause on sexual health and the various options available for maintaining intimacy and connection with your partner and yourself.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or share it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more women who need to hear these important conversations.

Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we are redefining midlife wellness with grit and grace!

👉 👉 👉 Download your FREE menopausal roadmap at: www.SuburbanWarriorPodcast.com

Connect with Dr. Watson:

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Check out the Menopause Rescue Podcast: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Come connect with us!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/_suburban_warrior

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suburban_warrior

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suburban_warrior

Warrior Up and Believe in You!

Crissy

Podcast edited and produced by Chris Assist Media

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