Psychosexual therapy can help with so much more than sex during menopause
Menopause is a significant life transition for women and people assigned female at birth, often bringing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can deeply affect one’s sense of self, intimacy, and sexuality.
While much of the conversation around menopause tends to focus on physical symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in menstruation, few people discuss its profound impact on sexual wellbeing and relationships. This is where psychosexual therapy comes in, providing vital support for navigating the complexities of menopause and maintaining a fulfilling, intimate life – and we don’t just mean sex!
This article explores how menopause affects not only your sexual desire during menopause, it affects your relationship with your body, your partner(s) and your emotional connections.
What is menopause, and how does it affect sexuality?
Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later. The transition is caused by hormonal shifts, specifically a decline in estrogen and progesterone, which leads to the end of periods and other physical changes.
However, menopause isn’t just a physical experience. For many, it is accompanied by emotional and psychological shifts that can have a significant impact on intimacy and sexual health. Some of the most common issues that arise include:
Decreased libido: A drop in oestrogen and testosterone can lead to a reduced interest in sex, which can be distressing for those who previously enjoyed a healthy sex life.
Vaginal dryness: Reduced oestrogen levels can cause thinning of the vaginal walls and dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. The medical term for this is vaginal atrophy.
Body image changes:Weight gain, changes in skin elasticity, and other physical transformations can affect body image and self-esteem, potentially leading to feelings of unattractiveness.
Mood swings and anxiety:Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, depression, or heightened anxiety, all of which may interfere with the desire for or enjoyment of sex.
Disturbed sleep: Hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause-related issues can result in poor sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a reduced sex drive.
These changes can cause a significant disruption in intimate relationships, whether with a partner or with yourself. However, the good news is that psychosexual therapy can help individuals and partners navigate these challenges with greater ease and understanding.
What is psychosexual therapy?
Psychosexual therapy is a specialised form of therapy that focuses on the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of sexuality. It integrates psychological support with practical strategies to improve sexual wellbeing, intimacy, and relationships.
During menopause, psychosexual therapy can offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the emotional and psychological effects of this transition on your sexuality and relationships. Therapy helps individuals and couples address a wide range of issues, such as:
Changes in sexual desire or arousal
Difficulties with body image and self-esteem
Communication problems between partners about intimacy
The emotional impact of menopause-related symptoms
Navigating new sexual desires or identity
By addressing these issues, psychosexual therapy can help you develop healthier relationships with your body, your partner(s), and your sexuality, fostering a sense of empowerment and fulfilment during menopause and beyond.
How psychosexual therapy can help with menopause symptoms
Rebuilding sexual confidence
Menopause can change how you perceive your body, which in turn can affect your confidence in intimate situations. Psychosexual therapy helps you address body image concerns and regain a sense of sexual confidence. With guidance, you can learn to view your changing body with compassion and acceptance, rather than shame or frustration.Reigniting desire
Many people experience a drop in libido during menopause. This can be distressing, especially if sexual desire was once a strong aspect of their relationship. Psychosexual therapy can help you explore underlying causes, whether they’re hormonal, psychological, or relational, and work through them. Therapists can also help you reconnect with what you find pleasurable and explore ways to bring novelty and variety back into your sexual life.Managing vaginal discomfort
Painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause, which can discourage sexual activity altogether. Psychosexual therapy can provide education on how to manage this discomfort through the use of lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, and pelvic exercises like Kegels. Therapists can also address the emotional aspects of pain during intercourse, helping you cope with feelings of frustration, sadness, or shame.Enhancing communication with partners
Sexual changes during menopause can create tension in relationships if partners struggle to communicate about their needs. Psychosexual therapy fosters open, honest dialogue between partners, helping them express their feelings and desires without fear of judgment. Effective communication techniques can help partners navigate changes in intimacy and ensure that both partners feel supported and understood.Reducing anxiety and depression
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression, all of which can interfere with sexual desire and enjoyment. Psychosexual therapy can help you address these emotional issues by providing coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, and relaxation exercises. This holistic approach can improve both emotional well-being and sexual health.Fostering Emotional Intimacy
Menopause is not just a physical transition; it can also be a deeply emotional experience. Psychosexual therapy can help you and your partner(s) foster emotional intimacy and closeness during this time. By deepening their emotional connection, partners can find new ways to be intimate that don’t necessarily rely on traditional sexual activity.
Why psychosexual therapy is essential during menopause
Menopause can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, especially when dealing with the emotional and psychological impacts of this transition. Unfortunately, many people feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss the challenges they face with their sexual health. This can lead to frustration, misunderstandings, and even relationship strain.
Psychosexual therapy provides a safe, supportive space to talk about these often taboo topics. It offers education, guidance, and practical tools to address the emotional, physical, and relational changes that menopause brings. Importantly, it helps people embrace this phase of life with self-compassion, open-mindedness, and curiosity, rather than shame or fear.
Embracing a new chapter with confidence
Menopause is a significant transition, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of sexual pleasure or intimacy. With the support of psychosexual therapy, everyone can embrace the changes that menopause brings, rediscover desires, and explore new ways to connect with their bodies and with partners.
Whether you’re experiencing vaginal discomfort, changes in libido, or relationship challenges, psychosexual therapy can help you navigate these shifts with understanding and confidence. Menopause is a natural part of life, and by seeking therapy, you can ensure that it becomes a time of growth, healing, and renewed connection.
If you’re struggling with sexual or emotional issues related to menopause, consider reaching out to a qualified psychosexual therapist to guide you through this important phase of life.
Remember, it’s never too late to enjoy a fulfilling, vibrant sex life. With the right support, menopause can be the beginning of a new chapter of self-awareness and intimacy.
Menopause is a significant life transition for women and people assigned female at birth, often bringing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can deeply affect one’s sense of self, intimacy, and sexuality.
While much of the conversation around menopause tends to focus on physical symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in menstruation, few people discuss its profound impact on sexual wellbeing and relationships. This is where psychosexual therapy comes in, providing vital support for navigating the complexities of menopause and maintaining a fulfilling, intimate life – and we don’t just mean sex!
This article explores how menopause affects not only your sexual desire during menopause, it affects your relationship with your body, your partner(s) and your emotional connections.
What is menopause, and how does it affect sexuality?
Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later. The transition is caused by hormonal shifts, specifically a decline in estrogen and progesterone, which leads to the end of periods and other physical changes.
However, menopause isn’t just a physical experience. For many, it is accompanied by emotional and psychological shifts that can have a significant impact on intimacy and sexual health. Some of the most common issues that arise include:
Decreased libido: A drop in oestrogen and testosterone can lead to a reduced interest in sex, which can be distressing for those who previously enjoyed a healthy sex life.
Vaginal dryness: Reduced oestrogen levels can cause thinning of the vaginal walls and dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. The medical term for this is vaginal atrophy.
Body image changes:Weight gain, changes in skin elasticity, and other physical transformations can affect body image and self-esteem, potentially leading to feelings of unattractiveness.
Mood swings and anxiety:Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, depression, or heightened anxiety, all of which may interfere with the desire for or enjoyment of sex.
Disturbed sleep: Hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause-related issues can result in poor sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a reduced sex drive.
These changes can cause a significant disruption in intimate relationships, whether with a partner or with yourself. However, the good news is that psychosexual therapy can help individuals and partners navigate these challenges with greater ease and understanding.
What is psychosexual therapy?
Psychosexual therapy is a specialised form of therapy that focuses on the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of sexuality. It integrates psychological support with practical strategies to improve sexual wellbeing, intimacy, and relationships.
During menopause, psychosexual therapy can offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the emotional and psychological effects of this transition on your sexuality and relationships. Therapy helps individuals and couples address a wide range of issues, such as:
Changes in sexual desire or arousal
Difficulties with body image and self-esteem
Communication problems between partners about intimacy
The emotional impact of menopause-related symptoms
Navigating new sexual desires or identity
By addressing these issues, psychosexual therapy can help you develop healthier relationships with your body, your partner(s), and your sexuality, fostering a sense of empowerment and fulfilment during menopause and beyond.
How psychosexual therapy can help with menopause symptoms
Rebuilding sexual confidence
Menopause can change how you perceive your body, which in turn can affect your confidence in intimate situations. Psychosexual therapy helps you address body image concerns and regain a sense of sexual confidence. With guidance, you can learn to view your changing body with compassion and acceptance, rather than shame or frustration.Reigniting desire
Many people experience a drop in libido during menopause. This can be distressing, especially if sexual desire was once a strong aspect of their relationship. Psychosexual therapy can help you explore underlying causes, whether they’re hormonal, psychological, or relational, and work through them. Therapists can also help you reconnect with what you find pleasurable and explore ways to bring novelty and variety back into your sexual life.Managing vaginal discomfort
Painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause, which can discourage sexual activity altogether. Psychosexual therapy can provide education on how to manage this discomfort through the use of lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, and pelvic exercises like Kegels. Therapists can also address the emotional aspects of pain during intercourse, helping you cope with feelings of frustration, sadness, or shame.Enhancing communication with partners
Sexual changes during menopause can create tension in relationships if partners struggle to communicate about their needs. Psychosexual therapy fosters open, honest dialogue between partners, helping them express their feelings and desires without fear of judgment. Effective communication techniques can help partners navigate changes in intimacy and ensure that both partners feel supported and understood.Reducing anxiety and depression
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression, all of which can interfere with sexual desire and enjoyment. Psychosexual therapy can help you address these emotional issues by providing coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, and relaxation exercises. This holistic approach can improve both emotional well-being and sexual health.Fostering Emotional Intimacy
Menopause is not just a physical transition; it can also be a deeply emotional experience. Psychosexual therapy can help you and your partner(s) foster emotional intimacy and closeness during this time. By deepening their emotional connection, partners can find new ways to be intimate that don’t necessarily rely on traditional sexual activity.
Why psychosexual therapy is essential during menopause
Menopause can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, especially when dealing with the emotional and psychological impacts of this transition. Unfortunately, many people feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss the challenges they face with their sexual health. This can lead to frustration, misunderstandings, and even relationship strain.
Psychosexual therapy provides a safe, supportive space to talk about these often taboo topics. It offers education, guidance, and practical tools to address the emotional, physical, and relational changes that menopause brings. Importantly, it helps people embrace this phase of life with self-compassion, open-mindedness, and curiosity, rather than shame or fear.
Embracing a new chapter with confidence
Menopause is a significant transition, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of sexual pleasure or intimacy. With the support of psychosexual therapy, everyone can embrace the changes that menopause brings, rediscover desires, and explore new ways to connect with their bodies and with partners.
Whether you’re experiencing vaginal discomfort, changes in libido, or relationship challenges, psychosexual therapy can help you navigate these shifts with understanding and confidence. Menopause is a natural part of life, and by seeking therapy, you can ensure that it becomes a time of growth, healing, and renewed connection.
If you’re struggling with sexual or emotional issues related to menopause, consider reaching out to a qualified psychosexual therapist to guide you through this important phase of life.
Remember, it’s never too late to enjoy a fulfilling, vibrant sex life. With the right support, menopause can be the beginning of a new chapter of self-awareness and intimacy.