77: Why Vaginal Dryness Isn't Something You Have to Figure Out Alone with Dr. Dolores Fernandez

Dr. Dolores Fernandez never planned to specialize in menopause. She opened her naturopathic practice with dreams of treating fertility patients, but menopause kept walking through her door. Today, she's a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner, founder of IRIS vulva care products, and a passionate advocate for destigmatizing conversations about vaginal health. What You'll Learn In this episode, we explore Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GSM, which is a collection of symptoms affecting 85% of postmenopausal women. These symptoms include vaginal dryness, pain with penetration, recurrent UTIs, and structural changes to the vulva. Dolores explains the science behind why these changes happen, how to assess symptoms clinically, and what treatment options actually work. We discuss the critical difference between vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, why vaginal pH and osmolarity matter for product safety and efficacy, and how to meet patients where they're at when it comes to treatment comfort levels. This conversation also explores why GSM remains so undertreated despite its prevalence, the shame and stigma that prevents people from seeking help, and why Dolores created IRIS when she couldn't find products that met her clinical standards. Guest Bio Dr. Dolores Fernandez, ND, MSCP, is a naturopathic doctor in Ontario, Canada, with a clinical focus in menopause. She is a North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Certified Menopause Practitioner and a member of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Dolores is the founder of IRIS, offering clean, science backed vulva care products aimed at ending the stigma around women's health. She's also a wife, mom, reader, and fitness enthusiast who believes in creating safe spaces for conversations about intimate health. Theme Song: The Climb by Miley Cyrus Key Topics Covered What GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause) is and why 85% of postmenopausal women experience itThe progressive nature of vaginal changes and why symptoms can appear years after menopause beginsClinical assessment approaches including physical exams and symptom based evaluationsThe difference between vaginal moisturizers (daily use with hyaluronic acid) and lubricants (for penetration)Why vaginal pH and osmolarity matter for product safety and effectivenessTreatment options from over the counter moisturizers to prescription vaginal estrogen and DHEAThe shame and stigma that prevents people from discussing vaginal health with healthcare providersWhy patients often feel vaginal symptoms are their private responsibility while hot flashes feel acceptable to discussThe importance of anatomical education and helping patients understand their own bodiesHow IRIS was created to fill a gap in the market for evidence based vulva care productsLichen sclerosis and why it's important to treat vulvar conditionsBacterial vaginosis and recurrent infectionsGenitourinary syndrome of lactation in postpartum people Resources & References Mentioned North American Menopause Society (NAMS) at https://www.menopause.orgInternational Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health at https://www.isswsh.orgIRIS Vulva Moisturizer and Personal Lubricant (products formulated with hyaluronic acid, optimal pH, and ideal osmolarity) IRISIRIS was recently included in a journal article as a safe for vaginal use lubricant based on clinical criteria Connect with Dr. Dolores Fernandez Website: https://www.lovemyiris.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdoloresnd IRIS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemy.iris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doloresfernandeznd Dr. Dolores will be speaking at The Pleasure Principle Conference on May 8th as IRIS is the platinum sponsor. Visit https://www.blueberrytherapy.ca to learn more about pelvic health services in Hamilton, Ontario. Subscribe to The Hole Shebang Podcast on your favourite platform. Connect with The Hole Shebang on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blueberrytherapypelvichealth