Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life?
If your sex life is fulfilling before menopause, chances are it will stay that way after. However, hormonal changes during menopause can impact some women’s sexual wellbeing. That said, sexual health is complex — it’s influenced by many physical, emotional, and relationship factors, not just hormones.
Possible Changes to Your Sex Life During Menopause
Some women notice:
- Lower interest in sex (low libido)
- Difficulty becoming aroused
- Trouble reaching orgasm
- Discomfort or pain during sex due to vaginal dryness or pelvic floor issues
Before assuming hormones are the only cause, consider other possible influences like:
- Stress from work, family, or caregiving
- Lack of quality time with your partner
- Your partner going through their own changes
- Medications (like antidepressants) that affect libido
- Medical conditions or past gynecological surgeries
It's important to take a full-body, whole-life view when it comes to your sexual health. If you're having issues, talking to your doctor or a counsellor can help uncover what’s really going on and how to treat it.
Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort
Lower oestrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable or even painful — especially for women treated for breast cancer with aromatase inhibitors.
This can be treated! Your options include:
- Vaginal oestrogen therapy (safe for most women)
- Non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers
- Lubricants during sex
Testosterone and Sexual Function in Women
Women naturally produce testosterone, though at much lower levels than men. These levels decline gradually with age, especially after surgical or chemotherapy-induced menopause.
Testosterone is thought to play a role in:
- Sexual desire and function
- Bone and muscle strength
- Overall wellbeing
Some studies show that testosterone therapy (specifically designed for women) may improve sexual function. However, it’s not recommended for women with a history of breast cancer, as its safety in that group is unclear.
Hormone Therapy and Sex
- Oestrogen tablets may reduce the amount of active testosterone in your body, possibly affecting your sex drive. In some cases, switching to an oestrogen gel or patch can help improve this balance.
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that converts into oestrogen and testosterone in the body. Although it's been marketed for sexual health and anti-aging, research hasn’t found strong evidence for these claims — except in treating vaginal dryness. A DHEA vaginal product is approved in the U.S. but is not yet available in Australia or New Zealand.
The Australasian Menopause Society does not recommend using other DHEA supplements for menopausal symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- If your sex life is good before menopause, it’s likely to remain good after.
- Sexual wellbeing is influenced by many personal, emotional, and physical factors — not just hormones.
- Vaginal dryness can be treated with moisturisers, lubricants, or vaginal oestrogen.
- Hormone therapies, including oestrogen or testosterone, may help — but only use testosterone products formulated for women.
- Talk to your doctor, a counsellor, or a pelvic health physiotherapist if you’re experiencing issues.
Want More Info?
If you're concerned about changes in your sex life, speak with your doctor. They can guide you through treatment options and help you understand what’s happening in your body.
Helpful resources:
- www.menopause.org.au
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Non-hormonal treatment options
- Lifestyle changes and menopause
- Vaginal health after breast cancer
- Sexual difficulties during menopause