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Discussions around female sexuality and reproductive health seem to be blossoming, with a wealth of new literature emerging to enlighten us on (peri)menopause. Authors like MK Czerwiec with Menopause: A Comic Treatment and Maisie Hill with Perimenopause Power are helping to demystify this phase of life, alongside anticipated works such as Jennifer Gunter's The Menopause Manifesto and Heather Corinna's What Fresh Hell Is This?.
At the age of 40, the harbingers of perimenopause can be unmistakable. Symptoms like disrupted sleep, night sweats, fatigue, cognitive haze, increased migraines, bloating, bladder issues, and dry mouth begin to surface. Hill's book even mentions a heightened sense of irritability or 'ALL THE RAGE, ALL THE TIME,' which many can relate to in this stage of life.
Yet, it's not just our sleep or cognitive functions that are affected by (peri)menopause. Sexuality, too, evolves with age.
Understanding the distinction between perimenopause and menopause is crucial. Perimenopause can commence up to 15 years before menopause, bringing with it a shortened and irregular menstrual cycle, alongside a rollercoaster of hormone levels and menopausal symptoms.
Menopause, in contrast, is marked by a specific day—the one-year milestone following your final menstrual period. The subsequent phase, postmenopause, is characterized by the cessation of periods and the intensification of symptoms like hot flashes.
For those eager to dive deeper into the biological intricacies of this transition, resources by the Office on Women's Health offer valuable insights.
As estrogen levels begin to wane during your late 30s and early 40s, you may notice changes in your sex life. Vaginal atrophy often leads to thinner, less elastic vaginal walls and reduced lubrication, causing discomfort, itching, burning, or pain during penetrative sex.
While hormone therapy can alleviate these symptoms, it's not suitable for everyone due to potential health risks. It's important to consult with your OBGYN about hormone therapy and alternative treatments, such as vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and sexual aids that promote elasticity.
But perhaps the most liberating approach is redefining the meaning of sex. Embracing a spectrum of intimate activities can lead to a renaissance of sexual enjoyment beyond penetration-focused encounters.
Desire levels also fluctuate during (peri)menopause. Some may find their sexual appetite increasing due to lifestyle changes or a newfound comfort in their sexuality. Others might experience a decline in desire and arousal, compounded by sleep disruptions, body changes, and reduced estrogen levels. In such instances, a conversation with your OBGYN can help address the root causes of reduced libido.
Open conversations with your partner about the (peri)menopausal experience are vital. They can provide understanding and support as you both navigate any changes in your sex life.
Remember, (peri)menopause, menopause, and postmenopause are natural stages of aging, not conditions to be remedied. With this perspective, you can gracefully adapt to the changes ahead.