Sexual Health (The Menopause Society)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: The Menopause Society · Published: August 11, 2026 · Accessed: August 11, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• There is no standard to meet when it comes to sexual activity and desire: some people experience a significant decline in desire at midlife, some have increased interest, and others notice no change at all.
• Sexual dysfunction has four overlapping areas: desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain; falling estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and thinning, making penetrative sex painful, and poor sleep from hot flashes can reduce interest in sex.
• If sexual pain is caused by vaginal dryness, lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can help maintain moisture and reduce friction; low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is also an option.
• Some medications, such as those used to treat depression, can interfere with sexual function; counseling can help with relationship, medical, or family issues contributing to sexual concerns.
• Prescription options for sexual concerns include estrogen therapy, intravaginal DHEA, ospemifene, and - for low desire specifically in premenopausal women - flibanserin or bremelanotide; there is evidence testosterone may help low desire in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, with long-term risks still being investigated.