Polski
As women go through menopause, their sex lives become a topic that is often surrounded by a taboo atmosphere. The quality of sexual life of mature people, especially menopausal women, can be a key component of their overall well-being. Biological age-related changes, especially in the context of sexual desire, raise questions about how to take care of the proper functioning of sexuality after menopause. Let’s explore these delicate aspects, paying attention to the interest in sexual activity during menopause, problems with arousal and the need to change the approach to sexuality from a biological and psychosocial perspective.
Table of Contents:
- Hormonal changes and sex life after menopause
- Effect of hormones on interest in sex
- Not just estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- Thyroid hormones
- Prolactin
- Cortisol
- Frequency of sexual activity after menopause
- Crossing barriers and sex without taboos
- Sometimes professional help is needed
- Support from a gynecologist and sexologist
- Hormone therapy
- Treatment of vaginal dryness
- Kegel muscle exercises
- Sexual counseling
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Libido enhancing drugs
Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, full of challenges and changes, both physical and emotional. One area that usually remains in the shadows is the sex life of postmenopausal women. How do hormonal changes affect women’s intimacy, how do they cope, and how to promote a healthy and satisfying sex life without taboos?
Hormonal changes and sex life after menopause
During menopause, women experience drastic hormonal changes, including a drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a key role in regulating processes related to reproduction, but also affects the body’s ability to respond to sexual stimuli. Declining estrogen levels can lead to reduced vaginal lubrication, loss of tissue elasticity and decreased libido. Simply put – menopause is a time when interest in sex can change. However, it is worth noting that the impact of menopause on sex life can vary among women. Some women may not experience significant changes, while others may need to adapt new strategies to maintain a healthy and satisfying sexual sphere.
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Effect of hormones on interest in sex
Hormonal changes can affect interest in sex on an individual basis. Not all women experience a decline in libido after menopause, and some even report an increase in interest in their sex lives. There are many factors that influence this issue, such as mental health, relationship quality, and stress levels.
Not just estrogen
During menopause, there is mainly a decline in estrogen levels, which can have a significant impact on sex life and libido in mature women. However, other hormones may also play a role in this process. Here are some other hormones that affect women’s sex lives.
Progesterone
Right next to estrogen, progesterone is one of the main hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. During menopause, its levels can also change. Low levels of progesterone can affect hormonal balance, which in turn can affect the experience of pleasure during sexual activity.
Testosterone
We usually associate it only with men, but this is a mistake, as women also produce this hormone, albeit in lower amounts. The drop in testosterone levels that can occur during menopause can result in decreased libido, reduced sexual energy and loss of interest in sex.
Thyroid hormones
Thyroid-related hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can also affect sexual function. For example, hypothyroidism can lead to decreased libido, and hyperthyroidism can cause excessive sexual arousal.
Prolactin
This hormone is mainly associated with lactation, but can also affect libido levels. High levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can lead to menstrual cycle disorders and decreased interest in sex.
Cortisol
The stress hormone, cortisol, can also affect hormonal function and libido. High levels of stress can disrupt hormonal balance and negatively affect sexual desire.
Frequency of sexual activity after menopause
Like interest in sex, the frequency of sexual activity after menopause varies. Some women choose to embark on new sexual explorations with experience and confidence, while others may encounter difficulties due to physical changes, such as vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse.
Read also: The power of hormones in female sexual desire.
Crossing barriers and sex without taboos
It is worth noting that sex life after menopause can be just as satisfying as in younger years. The key, however, is to be open to communication in the relationship, to understand the changes that are taking place, and to accept your body. Crossing barriers related to the topic of sex during menopause can contribute to a better understanding of partners’ needs and joint exploration of new forms of intimacy.
Sometimes professional help is needed
For many women, menopause is a time to seek professional help, both for physical health and mental health. Specialists, such as gynecologists, psychologists or sexologists, can assist women in dealing with any difficulties and provide specific advice on maintaining a satisfying sex life.
Support from a gynecologist and sexologist
A gynecologist and sexologist are specialists who can effectively help a woman in menopause improve her sex life. How?
A gynecologist and sexologist can provide a woman with information on the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. Understanding these changes can help a woman cope with possible difficulties.
Hormone therapy
A gynecologist can assess whether hormone therapy is appropriate for a woman. Hormone therapy can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and decreased libido, which in turn improves sex life.
Treatment of vaginal dryness
A sexologist or gynecologist can recommend treatment methods for vaginal dryness, which often occurs during menopause. Lubricants and hormone substitutes can help restore comfort during sexual intercourse.
Kegel muscle exercises
A sexologist may recommend Kegel muscle exercises to help keep the pelvic floor muscles flexible. This, in turn, can help improve sensations during sexual activity.
Sexual counseling
A sexologist can provide advice on communication in a relationship, exploring new forms of intimacy, or dealing with possible emotional difficulties associated with menopause.
Lifestyle recommendations
Together, specialists can advise a woman on lifestyle changes that can affect sexual health, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, stress control and avoiding stimulants.
Libido enhancing drugs
In cases of decreased libido, your doctor may consider medications that can help improve sexual desire. However, it is worth remembering that any decision to take medication should be carefully discussed with your doctor.
Sexual life after menopause is a topic that deserves more attention and openness. Hormonal changes are inevitable, but understanding their impact on intimacy and accepting one’s body can help build healthy, satisfying sexual relationships.
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