Painful sex is often a topic that gets brushed aside. This is not something that just happens to women after menopause or after childbirth. The ACOG ( American college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) reports that nearly 3 our of 4 women have pain during intercourse at some point in their lives.  For some its temporary, for others its long term. 

Pain during sex may be a sign of a more serious gynecological issue, but it also may be a sign of a tight pelvic floor and low or imbalanced hormones. 

When it comes to hormones we know they need to be in balance . The two main hormones we discuss here in relation to painful sex are estrogen and Testosterone .Estrogen needs to be plentiful as well as testosterone. 

When estrogen is low we may have symptoms  including but not limited to ;

• vaginal dryness
• decreased lubrication during sexual activity,
• post-coital bleeding
• discomfort even pain during sexual activity,
• decreased arousal, orgasm, and desire for sex,
• irritation, burning or itching of the vulva or vagina, dysuria, urinary frequency, incontinence and urgency.

Testosterone has many  functions in the body. One of the big factors it controls is our libido. One thing women don't realize is testosterone is actually a very important hormone in women and one if the first things to drop off as hormones do, especially when menopause starts. It also is deficient in women on birth control regardless of the form they are on due to the cessation of LH and FSH, When testosterone it can great affect our sexual desire and satisfaction as seen in the symptoms below:

• Reduced sexual drive
• Decreased sexual satisfaction 
• Vaginal dryness