Swapping horny for hot flushes – How menopause affects your sexual health

When you’re young, it’s all too easy to take sexual health for granted. But flick the menopause switch, and all of a sudden, things aren’t quite as simple down there…

Whether you’re curious about what’s on the horizon, or are currently experiencing the onset of hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings that put your teenage daughter to shame, read on for insight into how menopause affects your sexual health, and what you can do about it.

Chemical changes

Menopause can play havoc with a woman’s sex drive, and it’s by no means ‘all in the head.’  The process sees the body lose both estrogen and testosterone, which can trigger drastic changes in a woman’s body, and her sex drive.

As well as making it harder to feel aroused (we’re talking about that ‘heart skips a beat’ feeling you get when that sexy news presented hits the screen at 6pm), menopause can also weaken sensitivity to touching, stroking and the rest of the physical pleasures that go hand in hand with a good romp.

Research also shows that around 45% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal atrophy, which sees the walls of the vagina become thin or inflamed.  This can make sex painful, and also contributes to decreased sensitivity.  Relationships are put on the line, with a recent study revealing that painful sex caused by vaginal atrophy is the primary cause of both decreased sex drive, and active avoidance of intercourse during menopause.

The body responds to this lack of interest in sex, with lower estrogen levels cutting down on the vagina’s blood supply.  This creates dryness, and means that a good lube is an absolute must.  Right now we’re loving coconut oil, and exploring its many uses that go far beyond the kitchen.

Other so not sexy side effects

No doubt about it, menopause can be cruel. As well as chemical changes to the body, ladies can also experience a host of other side effects… and you guessed it, none are beneficial to the sexual health department.  Symptoms include bladder control issues, night sweats, stress, anxiety, insomnia, moodiness and fatigue.  Not a pretty list, and definitely not a recipe for a healthy sex life.

Is this a blanket effect?

By no means does menopause mean that you’ll experience sexual health issues.  In fact, some postmenopausal women claim that their lust scales are better than ever.

Keeping the spark alive

Your body may be changing, but the good news is that your sex spark doesn’t have to be snuffed out.  With a positive mindset and a little help from your GP, you can overcome menopause, and emerge as the sex goddess you’ve always been.  Local estrogen treatments like rings, creams and tablets are an effective way to treat vaginal atrophy, as are topical water-soluble lubricants.

A shift in your mindset can also work libido magic, with sexual health experts recommending couples focus on heightening their intimacy, instead of fixating on the act of intercourse itself. Don’t be scared to seek professional relationship help if needed, and don’t shy away from making sex a top priority.  Who knows, your new attitude could be just what you need to make it through menopause, and come out on top.