Menopause, Misdiagnosis, and Modern Solutions: A Conversation with Dr. Shirin Lakhani

What I Discussed With Dr Shirin Lakhani…- Why millions of women are still being told that painful sex is simply part of ageing—and why that's simply not true.- How a lack of menopause and sexual health training leaves many healthcare professionals unable to recognise or treat common intimate health conditions.- Why understanding your own vulva and knowing what's normal for your body could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment.- How vaginal dryness, low libido and painful intercourse can often be treated rather than simply endured.- What regenerative treatments such as the O-Shot® and P-Shot® are designed to do—and who might benefit from them.- Why conditions like lichen sclerosus are so frequently misdiagnosed and the warning signs women should never ignore.- How pelvic floor health affects both women and men, particularly after prostate surgery.- Why improving conversations about sexual wellbeing could transform healthy ageing for future generations.And much more...Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction01:40 Why Women's Sexual Health Is Still Being Overlooked05:00 Why Doctors Rarely Ask About Intimate Health08:30 Menopause, GSM and the Myths Around Ageing11:00 Understanding the O-Shot® and P-Shot®16:00 Alternative Treatments Beyond Hormones19:00 Pelvic Floor Health and Recovery After Prostate Surgery25:00 Understanding Lichen Sclerosus30:30 Why Early Diagnosis Matters33:00 Changing Healthcare Through EducationShow NotesWhy do so many women leave their doctor's surgery believing that painful sex, vaginal dryness or a loss of intimacy is simply something they have to accept?The truth is, many of the intimate health challenges associated with menopause and ageing are both recognised and treatable. Yet too often they're never discussed. Whether it's embarrassment, lack of training or outdated assumptions about ageing, countless people continue to suffer in silence because nobody tells them that help exists.In this episode, I'm joined by GP and intimate health specialist Dr. Shirin Lakhani, whose mission is to change that. From her Know Your Normal and Check Your Vulva campaigns to her pioneering work in regenerative medicine, Dr. Lakhani is challenging the way we think about sexual wellbeing for both women and men.Our conversation explores why intimate health deserves to be part of every healthcare discussion, how conditions such as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and lichen sclerosus are often missed or misdiagnosed, and why understanding your own body is one of the most powerful steps you can take towards better health. We also discuss emerging treatments designed to restore tissue health and improve quality of life, while recognising that education and open conversations remain just as important as medical innovation.If there's one thing this episode makes clear, it's that growing older shouldn't mean accepting discomfort, pain or the loss of intimacy. The more we understand our bodies, the better equipped we are to advocate for the care we deserve.Listen, learn and enjoy.Key Takeaways- Painful sex is never something people should simply accept because of age.- Many healthcare professionals receive very little formal training in menopause and sexual health.- Knowing what's normal for your own body makes it easier to recognise changes early.- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is common but highly treatable.- Lichen sclerosus is often mistaken for recurrent thrush, delaying diagnosis.- Pelvic floor health is important for both women and men throughout life.- Regenerative treatments may offer additional options alongside hormone therapy for some patients.- Open conversations reduce stigma and improve healthcare outcomes.- Sexual wellbeing remains an important part of healthy ageing.- Better education—for both patients and clinicians—is key to improving care.- Understanding Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)What Is It?Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a collection of symptoms caused by declining oestrogen levels after menopause. It can affect the vagina, vulva, bladder and urinary tract, often leading to discomfort that worsens over time if left untreated.Why Does It Happen?As oestrogen levels fall, the tissues of the vulva, vagina and urinary tract become thinner, drier and less elastic. Blood flow decreases, collagen production reduces and the tissues become more vulnerable to irritation, pain and infection.What Are the Common Signs or Symptoms?- Vaginal dryness- Pain during sex- Burning or irritation- Itching- Recurrent urinary tract infections- Urinary urgency or leakage- Reduced lubrication- Decreased sexual comfort and pleasureWhat Can People Do About It?Speak to a healthcare professional if symptoms develop rather than assuming they're a normal part of ageing. Depending on the individual, treatment may include vaginal oestrogen, hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation, non-hormonal moisturisers and lubricants, or regenerative therapies discussed in this episode. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve comfort, intimacy and overall quality of life.About the GuestDr. Shirin Lakhani is a GP, aesthetic physician and founder of Elite Aesthetics, specialising in menopause, intimate health and regenerative medicine. She is the creator of the Know Your Normal and Check Your Vulva awareness campaigns, which encourage women to become familiar with their anatomy and seek help early when changes occur. Dr Lakhani is recognised for her work treating female and male sexual dysfunction, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, lichen sclerosus and pelvic floor disorders, while also advocating for better education around sexual health within mainstream medicine.About SuzanneSuzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of the Sex Advice for Seniors podcast—one of the top-rated shows empowering people 50+ to embrace confident, joyful intimacy. Known for her candid, warm, and often humorous approach, Suzanne challenges age-related taboos, misinformation, and awkward conversations about sex after 50. She helps millions around the world navigate their sexual lives with pleasure, connection, and self-assurance. Because life is too short for bad sex... or silence about it.Connect With SuzanneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniorsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexadviceforseniorsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexadviceforseniorsSubstack: https://www.sexadviceforseniors.comWant More?Visit the Website: https://sexadviceforseniors.com — includes FREE guides and resources for better sex at any age.Free Downloadable Guide: 10 Most Overlooked Secrets to Better Sex PDF: https://subscribepage.io/suzannenoblefreebieSign Up for My FREE Newsletter: https://sexadviceforseniors.comOvercome Erectile Dysfunction & Stay Firm: https://www.stayfirmprogram.comCheck Out My Storefront for Better Sex: https://zaap.bio/stayfirmInterested in 1:1 Coaching or Custom Sex Advice for Seniors Sessions? https://tidycal.com/suzannenoble/30-minute-mentoringRelated EpisodesBonus Live: Your body isn’t broken — it’s just done performing. - https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/live-with-suzanne-noble-w-amara-charlesBonus Live: Why Self-Pleasure Might Be a Menopause Superpower - https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/live-with-suzanne-noble-and-marieWhy Women Feel Completely Different After Menopause | Tanya Leake - https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/why-women-feel-completely-different This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sexadviceforseniors.com/subscribe