Menopause and Sexuality
While menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive life, it does not mean
the end of her sex life. Studies show that women on estrogen replacement notice
the least change in their sexual interest and in their sexual satisfaction.
Estrogen clearly treats menopausal symptoms, which may reduce fatigue and improve
both sexual desire and satisfaction. In fact, one survey of 1,000 women over
50 found that a majority of menopausal women claim their sexual desire and interest
in sex is just as robust as before menopause. An interesting finding of this
survey was that women taking estrogen replacement reported greater sexual satisfaction
than women not on estrogen.
These findings make sense medically-estrogen can relieve the menopausal symptoms
that can may make sex uncomfortable. Supermodel Lauren Hutton, spokesperson
for the Vitality Menopause Education Campaign says this was also her experience:
Lauren Hutton: "You know, when I was going through all the symptoms
of menopause-the hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, moodiness and
irritability-I didn't feel like going to the movies, let alone going to bed
with someone. Now, I sometimes feel like going to several movies a day!"
Click for more information about menopause and sexuality.
Created: 9/10/2001  - Donnica Moore, M.D.