For most of human history, aging like code 100 lifetime fitness was the death knell for a woman’s sexuality. Once a woman reached menopause, she ceased being able to have sex and became increasingly likely to lose interest in sex. But as we come to understand more about how hormones affect our sexuality, the rules surrounding female sexuality are changing-and giving women back their lost libido over time is just one benefit that older women can expect from getting older. “Women’s sexuality tends to be on the decline for quite some time after menopause, but there’s now growing evidence that age-related effects of factors like hormone changes can actually help improve a woman’s sexual satisfaction overall and quality of life.”
1. Sexual Arousal is Declining
Increased stress and anxiety levels in women as they age can contribute to declining sex drive and performance.
2. Sexual Pleasure Begins Earlier in Life
Older women often report better sexual pleasure than their younger counterparts.
3. Hormone Levels are Consistent with Sexual Arousal
Although some studies have shown an increase in estrogen levels begining around the time of menopause, the key to health for women is consistency of hormones throughout the month, not just around ovulation. A study conducted by Dr. Cerami shows that estradiol benefits overall sex drive, function as well as sexual desire and pleasure after menopause . These benefits are significant not just for women, but to both men and women.
4. Sense of Sexual Attraction is Stronger
Increased sexual desire helps older women maintain positive relationships. A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour showed that several months after their hormone levels had normalized, women’s sense of sexual attraction was stronger than it had been in years. That is likely due to an increase in testosterone and estrogen levels that assist with overall sexual drive and function.
5. Improved Mental Function Makes Sex More Attractive
The relationship between hormones and mental function allows older women to have clearer focus, improve mental clarity and memory (which makes perception of partners more attractive).
6. Physical Health is Improved
As we age, our overall health tends to improve, which leads to an overall improved sense of wellbeing. In fact, one study showed that women who remained sexually active for more than ten years had a 38% lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who didn’t have sex. “Because sexuality is so intertwined with health and well-being, it stands to reason that the more sex you have throughout your life, the healthier you are likely to be,” says Dr. Cerami.
7. Lower Risk of Diseases
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and exercise are important to maintaining good health regardless of age. Particular attention should be paid to the reduction in sugar intake, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Of course, all women should still be taking their medications as prescribed by their physician.
8. No More Menopause Symptoms
The menopause is known as the 40-year storm because it brings so many different symptoms for women that include hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings and increased fatigue (linked to estrogen loss). This can mean the end of the relationship for couples who are dealing with estradiol decline. The good news is that post-menopausal sex is more than just about physical pleasure. It can also help promote feelings of intimacy and closeness in an already established relationship.
9. Sexual Dysfunction is Decreasing
The Council on Contemporary Families, a group of family researchers across North America, has noted that women are less likely to report sexual dysfunction after menopause than they were when they were younger. In fact, one study showed that older women have better sexual functioning than younger women, and their orgasms last longer as well.
10. Partner Satisfaction is on the Rise
“There’s been a paper published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour which showed that older women are also more likely to be satisfied with their sex lives if they’re having sex with men younger than 25, because those guys last longer,” says Dr. Cerami. “That shows that there’s something about youth that gives a woman more sexual pleasure.”
11. Sexual Functioning Improves
While menopause brings many symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, it can also greatly improve the sex lives of women by bringing increased sensation, increased oxygen flow to all parts of the body including the vagina and clitoris along with a higher level of physical energy in post-menopausal women.
12. More Sex is Better Sex
There is a strong trend toward more sex in older age, says Dr. Cerami. “The evidence of more sex after menopause is pretty clear,” he says, “and if you have a desire to engage in sex, and you have a partner who wants to engage in sex, it’s best if you do it before you get too old.”
Summary:
In the past, it was believed that sexuality and sexual desire could be measured by fertility alone. However, research shows that sexuality is more complex than ovulation and fertility, which means that female sexuality is not just associated with reproduction. A healthy female sex drive is influenced by a variety of factors including age and hormonal balance. As we age, our overall health tends to improve, contributing to a better sense of wellbeing in women whose sex drive remains active into their golden years.
