#176 - Let’s Talk About Sex in Midlife — Fast, Easy Fixes Your Doctor Never Mentioned With Dr. Maria Sophocles Dryness, Low Desire, Awkward Silence? Let’s Fix Midlife Sex. What if we stopped whispering about midlife sexual health and started talking about it like the real, fixable, medical issue that it is? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles—internationally recognized OB/GYN, menopause expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of Women’s Healthcare of Princeton—to talk about the truth behind midlife vaginal changes, why libido shifts aren’t your fault, and how hormone therapy and non-hormonal treatments can actually help you feel like yourself again (yes, especially down there). We cover: Why vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, and painful sex are incredibly common—and completely fixable (whew!) The difference between vaginal estrogen for dryness and systemic hormone replacement (and why most women are scared of the wrong one) Four clinically proven ways to rebuild vaginal tissue—and when to consider each How to advocate for yourself when your provider dismisses your concerns The overlooked connection between estrogen, your brain, and your libido And yes… the wild stat about people checking their phones during sex. Wait, what?! 🙃 This episode packs science, myth-busting, and an invitation to reclaim your body, your pleasure, and your voice in midlife. No shame. No awkward metaphors. Just real information every woman deserves to know. 🔗 Resources & Links: Dr. Maria’s website: www.mariasophoclesmd.com IG: @mariasophoclesmd Menopause clinician finder: www.menopause.org Learn more about The Thinking Woman: thinkingwoman.health Lisa’s site + wellness resources: www.lisasmithwellness.com   ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!   💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com  IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/   👇 If You Like These Podcasts, You’ll Also Love Ours: The Dr. Josh Axe Show Wellness Mama Just Ingredients Podcast The Model Health Show Dr. Mark Hyman’s Podcast   Disclaimer:  Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.