October 18th is International Menopause Day. When considering women's health and well-being, menopause is an unavoidable topic. The menopause period, which occurs on average between the ages of 45 and 55, spans approximately 10 years before and after menopause, during which the secretion of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) rapidly declines. As a result, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, palpitations, mood swings, and sleep disorders appear, but changes in libido are also an important aspect of menopause.
There are several factors that contribute to a decline in sexual desire. First, from a physiological perspective, a decrease in estrogen causes the vaginal mucosa to thin and lubricate less. This can lead to pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), and in many cases, men want to avoid sexual contact altogether. In addition, testosterone, a type of male hormone, also decreases with age, which can reduce sexual desire and sensitivity to pleasure.
Furthermore, menopause also has significant psychological and social impacts. Many women feel that their sexual desire has decreased or that they no longer want to be touched, due to a combination of life events such as child-rearing and nursing care, changes in relationships with their partner, and fluctuations in self-image due to physical aging. On the other hand, there are also a certain number of women whose interest in sex actually increases as a result of reduced physical strain and more personal time. In other words, it is more accurate to understand the changes in sexual desire during menopause as not just a decrease, but also a change.
The concept of **GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome Associated with Menopause)** has been gaining attention in recent years. This is a medical syndrome that encompasses symptoms such as dryness, itching, pain, and frequent urination in the vagina and vulva, and can be improved with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), local vaginal estrogen, and moisturizing gels. Non-hormonal care such as femtech products, mild lubricants, and vaginal training devices are also becoming increasingly popular.
The goal is not just to "restore" your sexual desire; it's important to understand the changes in your body and choose the care you need. Sexuality is not a symbol of youth; it's a "dialogue between body and mind" that exists in various forms at every stage of life. Menopause is an opportunity to reestablish that balance. By listening to your body rather than shutting yourself away, you can once again regain your "power to feel."
