The Phoenix Years: Sex, The Menopause, and You

Things that make for a great sex life? Confidence, experience, and assertiveness. Which also just happen to be qualities that many of us develop with age. We want to dispel the menopause myth - the belief many women have that menopause sounds the death knell for great sex.

This is not to say we should pretend menopause is ‘the best thing ever’. A lot of women struggle with symptoms, and no-one likes going through puberty the first time, let alone having a so-called ‘second puberty’.

However, we don’t want women to be afraid for their sex lives. This is a journey into an exciting, brand new stage of your life. A re-birth, that for a lot of women also coincides with fewer care-giving responsibilities such as child-rearing. A time of freedom, and a time to focus on yourself and your needs. There’s no need to settle for a so-so sex life.

What is the Menopause age?

The average age for a woman to reach menopause is 51, but it usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55 years old. As we reach middle adulthood, our bodies slow down the production of oestrogen – one of the main sex hormones in female bodies - often causing symptoms such as erratic periods, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances.

This process is called perimenopause, and is the transition into menopause itself. Perimenopause can begin when you’re in your 30s, but it most commonly starts for women in their 40s. With this slowing of oestrogen production your periods will become more irregular, and you are considered to have reached menopause once you haven’t had a period for 12 months – although other symptoms such as those pesky hot flashes are likely to last a while longer.

The Menopause and Your Mind

Several recent studies tell us that the menopause itself doesn’t affect sexual functioning or satisfaction. Instead, it's our attitude towards it that does. Good communication in our relationships, an intimacy that is playful and novel, and positive self-talk about our bodies and sex lives all outweigh the negative effects of hormonal changes.

Many well-renowned sex therapists opine that as we get older, sex gets better thanks to self-acceptance, maturity, and experience. We stop worrying so much about how ‘adventurous’ we are and how many positions we can try in one go and instead begin to focus on the quality of our experiences and the connection sex gives us. We care more about emotionally rewarding and meaningful interactions.

If you’re struggling with your libido, there are lots of science-based tips you can try to increase your levels of desire. Making sex a priority, scheduling in both solo pleasure and time for intimacy with your partner, spending time working through your attitudes towards sex, your relationship, and your body.

It also helps to consider the menopause from the viewpoint of freedom. Freedom from pregnancy risks, periods, and often those caregiving responsibilities that can distract us from focusing on our sexuality and our own pleasure. It’s the perfect time to stop compromising on who you are, what you want, and what you deserve.

Physical Changes

There are some physical changes that affect menopausal and post-menopausal women, which is largely down to the slowing down of the production of oestrogen.

Some women may find themselves less sensitive to touch, which can make it harder to receive enough stimulation for physical arousal or orgasm. If you don’t already have one, it may be time to upgrade your toy drawer with a (deservedly famous) magic wand - these mains-powered external vibrators pack powerful vibrations, leading to powerful orgasms. There are also many types of orgasm gels and balms, which help increase blood flow to your clitoris and make you tingle. You may need to try a couple of products to find which ones works best for your body - our guide to female orgasm boosters may help.

Another common side effect is dryness, which can make penetrative sex uncomfortable. We always recommend using a good lubricant with toys and during penetrative sex - regardless of age - so if you’re yet to add lube to your drawer, now is the time. If you’re new to lube you may be surprised by how many different types there are, so be sure to check our beginner’s guide to lube to get all the information you need.

If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, mentally or physically, please consult your doctor. They will be more than happy to help in any way they can, and there is likely to be a treatment option perfect for you.

You’re Not Alone!

Don’t let old fashioned and outdated beliefs on what a woman should be like, or how she should behave negatively impact your sexuality. Menopause is not a time to “mourn your youth”, nor is it the end of great sex.

It is, in fact, only the beginning.