How people experience and express their sexuality will change throughout their lives. Aging brings about natural changes both physically and emotionally, which can affect our reproductive health, sexual intimacy and sexual response or arousal. Sex and sexuality are a natural part of life. Sex is good for your health!
A Women’s Sexual Health
As women grow older they experience a hormonal transition that signals the shutting down of their reproductive cycles. This is called menopause. In many ways it is similar to the transition they experienced in adolescence when things were just starting up. Everyone ages in slightly different ways. There are a number of common physical and emotional changes you may experience.
Signs of aging
All women have different experiences – some women experience dramatic fluctuations in their hormone levels while others notice relatively little change. Here are some common physical signs of aging that a woman may experience:
In Canada, sexuality is often associated with youth but in reality, many women find sexual joy and strength in their later years. They no longer worry about pregnancy and are comfortable communicating their sexual needs with a partner. Menopause can be a powerful time of self-discovery and liberation!
Menopause
Over a lifetime there are two significant milestones in your physical sexual development: puberty and menopause. The onset of menstruation means that a female is physically able to get pregnant. Menopause is the opposite transition. Ovaries decrease the production of estrogens which signals the end of menstruation and ability to get pregnant. Technically, menopause signifies menstruation has ended for at least one whole year.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause refers to the time when a woman first starts experiencing signs of menopause until her menstrual period actually stops for a year. This transition can take several years.
How old will I be when menopause starts?
Most women go through menopause in their late 40s and early 50s. However, starting at age 40 and even younger is considered normal too! Many women in their mid 30s may start to experience changes associated with perimenopause. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional for evidence based solutions.
Will this ever end?
Menopause can last up to age 60 but, have no fear – most of these symptoms lessen and eventually go away. Maud Medical Clinic’s team of physicians specialize in sexual function and all stages of menopause. We are here to support you every step of the way.
What are the signs?
The perimenopausal transition is unique for everyone. Here are some common signs that a woman may experience:
Where is the help in Calgary?
If any of these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, know that there are various forms of help available in Calgary.
Many begin by exploring natural methods of managing menopause such as herbs and supplements, changes to diet, acupuncture and other stress reduction methods, such as yoga or meditation. Maud Medical Clinic offers women’s health acupuncture specifically for menopause symptoms
Sex has become painful. What are my options in Calgary?
Hormones after age fifty cause thinning of vaginal tissues and can make sex painful. Use water or silicone based lubricant before and during sex to reduce the discomfort of vaginal dryness. Do not use cream, petroleum jelly or any other moisturizer that is oil-based.
Make the most of Menopause
Menopause is a completely natural and healthy part of life that all women experience. For some women it is a challenging period of difficult physical and emotional changes. For others, it is a time of personal growth and renewal. And for many women, it is both at the same time.
Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy your menopausal years, your sexual health to their fullest:
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