Most people think that menopause is a sign of loss of libido in women. However, a new study indicates that women over 40 are more interested in sex than is accepted in our society.
At menopause, the reproductive system goes on "pause" . However, this would not be the case for the libido, that is to say the urge to engage in sexual behavior. In the United States, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) released a statement on September 28, 2020 reporting its latest study.
When menopause arrives, women experience a drop in hormones (estrogen, progesterone) as well as symptoms such as vaginal dryness. On the other hand, menopause would not mark the end of sexuality for women. The study leaders followed approximately 3,200 women over the age of 40. They wanted to know how certain factors could affect women's interest in sex during the transition to menopause.
The researchers then evaluated different elements such as education, origins, body mass, partner status, blood pressure, hormone levels or the advancement of menopause. Others include symptoms of stress or depression, taking antidepressants, sexual orientation, sexual satisfaction, pelvic pain as well as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
According to the results, a quarter of menopausal women believe that sex is still important after 40 . Nearly half of the volunteers (45%) indicate that sexual intercourse is very important at the beginning of the quarantine with a decrease over time. In the end, 28% of women surveyed considered sex to be unimportant after menopause.
“Contrary to previous literature reporting that the importance of sex declines as women move through their 40s, we found that for a quarter of women, sex remains very important to them throughout their quarantine,” said Holly Thomas, lead author of the study.
In addition, women who believe that sex is important report a more fulfilling sex life . This finding is similar among women with higher education. In addition, the study highlighted a cultural bias. African-American women seem more likely to think sex is important during their 40s, while Asian women are less likely to.
