Dec 16, 2025
Vaginal dryness, burning, itching, recurrent UTIs, pain with intimacy — and a quiet loss of confidence.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it. And it’s not “just ageing.”
In this episode of Hot & Healthy Menopause, Menopause Coach and TEDx Speaker Nicole van Hattem explains what’s really happening to the vulva, vagina, bladder, and libido during perimenopause and menopause — clearly, clinically, and without shame.
You’ll learn:
• What vaginal atrophy (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)
actually is
• How declining estrogen affects vulval and vaginal
tissue
• Why symptoms are often misdiagnosed as thrush, cystitis, or
BV
• How pH changes disrupt healthy vaginal bacteria
• The link between vaginal discomfort, avoidance, and loss of
libido
• Why vaginal health matters even if you’re not having sex — and
may never intend to be
This episode is not about sex
performance.
It’s about comfort,
dignity, body literacy, and long-term health.
If you’ve ever felt embarrassed raising these symptoms — or been told to “just live with it” — this conversation is for you.
👉 Download your free
Menopause Symptom
Tracker at nicolevanhattem.com
👉 Ready for personalised support? Work with Nicole to navigate menopause
with clarity and confidence.