What Causes Painful Sex Post Estradiol Withdrawal?

I am 78 years old and had an hysterectomy 45 years ago. I had taken estradiol .5mg for many, many years. I had a gall bladder attack 4 months ago and read that estrogen can cause it. So about a month ago I tapered off and quit. Now inter course is extremely painful and it never was before. I am78 and do not want to give up a great sex life. If I started back on estradiol would that help?