If Menopausal Women Learn More About Menopause, Sex Improves

"Every woman who lives beyond age 45 experiences menopause, which is normal and natural. Menopause brings many changes. Women's menstrual periods become irregular then end, and many experience mood swings, hot flashes, decreased sexual desire and pleasure, vaginal dryness, and vaginal tissue thinning (atrophy)."

"Many women heading into menopause are poorly informed about it. Their ignorance causes stress and often aggravates symptoms, particularly mood changes, and sexual issues."

"The investigators reviewed eight studies that enrolled 619 women, aged 39 to 75. The studies included a variety of menopause-education programs involving four to 10 sessions that lasted 45 to 60 minutes per session. Topics covered included: menopausal physiological changes, its possible sexual effects, and the many myths that surround it, for example, the idea that menopause can be psychologically devastating, causing extreme irritability, disorienting mood swings, and total libido collapse."

"Compared with routine medical care, the women in the education and counseling programs reported significant sexual benefits (p < 0.0001). Their sex-related pain decreased. They were more likely to have orgasms. And their desire, arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction all inc"

Menopause is a normal, natural change that occurs for women beyond age 45. Menstrual periods become irregular and then stop, and many experience mood swings, hot flashes, reduced sexual desire and pleasure, vaginal dryness, and vaginal tissue thinning. Many women enter menopause with limited information, and this ignorance can increase stress and worsen symptoms, especially mood and sexual concerns. Researchers in Portugal conducted a meta-analysis combining eight studies with 619 women aged 39 to 75. The programs included four to 10 sessions covering physiological changes, possible sexual effects, and common myths. Some programs added mindfulness meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce stress and support relaxation. Compared with routine medical care, participants reported significant sexual benefits, including less pain, more orgasms, and improved desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction.

Read at Psychology Today