Menopause Myth #2 – You lose the urge to have sex

The end of fertility does not mean it is the end of sexuality. Some women hit their sexual stride in their forties and fifties and actually find having sex more enjoyable after menopause. They even feel sexier than ever. You and your partner may have more time to spend with each other instead of rushing through the process and may have the chance to “get to know” one another again.

There is no rule that says sex stops after fifty years of age. Many women find that it actually begins in a whole new way.

Masters and Johnson conducted a study that demonstrated no link between estrogen levels and libido. Studies show that only a small percentage of women who have gone through menopause report a lack of interest in having sex. Over half of all women studied, report no decrease in sexual interest at all after menopause.

In 2004, AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) did a study showing half of men and women 45 years and older, say they enjoy their sex lives, and many say they enjoy sex “now more than ever.”

If you haven’t taken very good care of yourself over the years, then the chances of you having more symptoms and in a more severe manner may increase as you approach menopause. If you are experiencing symptoms, (like headaches, hot flashes, disturbed sleep patterns, and other occasional symptoms,) then it may be less likely for you to be interested in sex anyway.

Female orgasms are beneficial to a woman’s health in many ways, but they also can be the cause of frustration and feelings of inadequacy.

Women should be educated on the health benefits of orgasms (below), as well as how to have a healthy attitude towards sex and intimacy to improve the ability to achieve one.

Research shows there are many benefits for women who experience orgasms on a regular basis. Regularly reaching climax can help reduce stress by the release of “feel good” hormones called endorphins which relax the parts of the brain that cause fear and anxiety.

Orgasms help you lose weight by releasing phenetylamine (a chemical that is known to curb the appetite) and serotonin, which has a calming effect on cravings for junk food. They can reverse aging by increasing the level of

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) in the body which is known to improve brain function, fat metabolism, the immune system, and the cardiovascular system, as well as promote healthy skin.

Orgasms have been linked to boosting the immune system. Those who engage in regular sexual activity have been found to have one third higher levels of immunoglobin A, an antibody that assists the immune system in fighting infection such as colds and the flu.

Vaginal moisturizers can be very helpful. Look for water based ones such as K-Y Liquid, Astroglide, Albolene, and Emerita’s Personal Lubricant (which contains a number of soothing herbal extracts). These can be found in Health Food stores or pharmacies.

Women can educate themselves about what kinds of physical symptoms and changes they may experience sexually during menopause and be prepared to deal with them (still remaining sexually healthy.)

The more familiar you are with them, the better you will be able to work with your body when the time comes.

Guest author: Sherri Goddard, The Menopause Coach

Sheri Goddard is a professional Health and Wellness Coach, specializing in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. As a coach, mentor, teacher and author in the field of natural health and wellness, she began searching for reliable information when she began going through the “life change” herself, and has published an eBook as well as a blog to help women sift through the myths and truths of menopause.

Read more from Sheri’s blog at The Menopause Coach and read her e-Book at Seven Myths of Menopause.