Wellness Corner

Ask an older couple whether they are still having sex and the answer is likely to be yes. Ask them if it is as frequent and/or as satisfying as it used to be and you might get a different answer. And a lot of that can be attributed to hormones.

A recent study took a look at the link between sex and menopause and determined that most women have less sex during menopause than before menopause. There are many reasons for this but a significant one is that changes in the body reduce lubrication and cause sex to be less pleasing and more uncomfortable.

"According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), an estimated 10-40 percent of postmenopausal women suffer from symptoms related to vaginal atrophy. Two of the most common symptoms of atrophy are dryness and pain with intercourse. The symptoms are generally associated with the diminished estrogen levels that accompany menopause." (source)

One solution to this is to speak with a doctor about using estrogen therapy to alter the body's response to menopause. For example, a product called Enjuvia is a form of estrogen therapy (approved by the FDA) which directly targets the symptoms that affect sexual intercourse.

Question of the Day: Would you consider estrogen therapy for improving post-menopausal sex? Why or why not?

photo link