5 Ways to Ease Menopausal Symptoms You Might Not Be Aware Of

Entering menopause brings hormonal changes, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and a decrease in sex drive. While our bodies naturally undergo changes, there’s no need to face these transformations with fear or anxiety. Menopausal symptoms can be alleviated with the right tools and some straightforward tricks.

Many people mistakenly believe that middle age signals the end of their sexuality, with menopause marking a decline in women’s sex lives. However, the reality is that maintaining a dynamic sexuality is normal throughout life. For those of us entering our forties, fifties, and beyond, these years can be incredibly fulfilling as we become truly comfortable in our bodies and confident in our sexuality.

What is menopause?

Menopause refers to the natural end of women’s menstrual periods. This typically occurs around the age of 50, but it can also happen earlier, in a woman’s 30s or 40s. Alternatively, menopause can be induced through surgical removal of the uterus and/or ovaries or with medications. In all instances, the activity of reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen, decreases.

“Natural” menopause is a gradual process that unfolds over several years. The years leading up to the final menstrual period are termed perimenopause. During this period, women may still experience irregular periods, and many postmenopausal symptoms may begin. Some of the more challenging symptoms include reduced skin integrity, mood swings, insomnia, diminished sex drive, and vaginal dryness. Here’s some positive news – maintaining an active sex life, whether alone or with a partner, can alleviate these symptoms.

Managing Menopause Symptom #1: Reduced Skin Elasticity

As we grow older, the elasticity of our skin diminishes throughout our bodies. The decline in estrogen exacerbates this effect, particularly on the vaginal skin. However, maintaining sexual activity during the perimenopause and menopause stages helps the vagina preserve a healthy state. Orgasms and penetration contribute to the strength of vaginal skin and muscles. Studies also indicate that an active, pleasure-filled sex life gives individuals a youthful “glow” and appearance, making them seem younger than their actual age. And when we mention a sex life, we’re referring to both solo and partnered activities.

Dealing with Menopause Symptom #2: Mood Swings

The release of feel-good chemicals during orgasms not only elevates mood but also contributes to mood stability. Additionally, engaging in intimate touch with a partner is recognized for its positive impact on one’s disposition. So, whether it’s self-touch or connecting with a partner, incorporating a wand massager can enhance your mood.

Addressing Menopause Symptom #3: Insomnia and Hot Flashes

Insomnia stands out as one of the most disruptive symptoms during menopause. Women often wake up due to hot flashes, and their minds tend to wander towards troubling thoughts, triggering an increase in cortisol levels, exacerbating the cycle of sleeplessness and anxiety. Fortunately, orgasms come to the rescue! Having orgasms around bedtime can help reduce cortisol, induce relaxation, and promote a more restful night’s sleep. Additionally, if struggling to fall back asleep after waking up, a quick orgasm using your massager might just be the trick to guide you back into the realm of sleep.

Addressing Menopause Symptom #4: Decreased Sex Drive

The decline in estrogen levels during menopause is a common contributor to a reduced sex drive, though other factors play a role as well. When ovulation ceases, women may feel like their sex drives have disappeared due to the absence of hormonal surges promoting reproductive urges. However, arousal is still present, typically triggered by erotic stimulation. The key is to initiate play, and desire will naturally follow. Think of it as preheating your libido before engaging in intimate activities.

Additionally, as women age, achieving orgasms may take more time than in their younger years, and the orgasms might feel less intense. Adjusting to these changes by increasing vibrational power or stimulation can help. Intense stimulation results in faster and stronger orgasms, and a wand massager with higher speeds is designed for this purpose. Moreover, orgasms contribute to strengthening pelvic floor muscles, enhancing orgasm intensity – a win-win situation.

Fear of pain can significantly diminish desire. Vaginal atrophy, a common cause of sexual pain during menopause, results from decreased estrogen and lack of penetration, leading to vaginal shortening and tightening. Women experiencing pain with penetration may avoid sex, exacerbating vaginal atrophy. A thorough medical examination is recommended, and treatment may be necessary before resuming penetrative sex. A wand massager proves beneficial by allowing stimulation for exterior clitoral orgasms without penetration. Experiencing external orgasms amid vaginal atrophy not only provides pleasure but also aids healing by improving genital circulation and muscle tone.

Alleviating Age-Related Muscle Pains with Massage

Age-related aches and pains may heighten anxiety about sex. Using a massager to alleviate stressed muscles as a prelude to sexual activity can enhance comfort and enjoyment, especially when coupled with a deep tissue massage attachment.

Addressing Menopause Symptom #5: Vaginal Dryness

The decrease in estrogen during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, but insufficient arousal also plays a crucial role. Using a vibrator for clitoral stimulation enhances arousal and promotes blood flow to the vagina, naturally increasing lubrication. It’s important to slow down and allow the body time to respond to pleasurable sensations (remember to preheat that libido!).

Often, after years of prioritizing others, menopause serves as a wake-up call for women to focus on themselves and their bodies. It’s a reminder to take the time to experience pleasure. Embrace this new phase of life and the ongoing adventure of your sexuality.