In response to falling estrogen levels, your glands release higher amounts of other hormones that affect the brain's thermostat, causing body temperatures to fluctuate. Hormone therapy relieves the discomfort of hot flashes in most cases. Some women claim that vitamin E offers minor relief, although there has never been a study to confirm it. At night keep a thermos of ice water or an ice pack by your bed. These changes can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
Most women find it helpful to lubricate the vagina.
Water-soluble lubricants are preferable, as they help reduce the chance of infection. Be sure to see your gynecologist if problems persist. Exercise, coughing, laughing, lifting heavy objects or similar movements that put pressure on the bladder may cause small amounts of urine to leak. Lack of regular physical exercise may contribute to this condition. It's important to know, however, that incontinence is not a normal part of aging, to be masked by using adult diapers.