“You get to be a sexual being until the day you leave this world.”
Menopausecan bring about a number of mental, physical and emotional changes including some shifts in your sex life.
During perimenopause,which often begins in your mid 40s,levels of hormones likeestrogen and progesterone fluctuate.
You get to be a sexual being until the day you leave this world.
Postmenopausal sex can be even more intimate, connective, pleasurable and very satisfying.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
I was und 52 when menopause symptoms started, and its now been close to two years postmenopause.
When my monthly cycle started to become irregular, I realized menopause was beginning.
Even though pregnancy is no longer an issue, I always use condoms and get tested for STIs yearly.
I have had no issues regarding vaginal dryness and do not need any lubricant for vaginal sex.
Life is too short for bad sex!
What has surprised me is that I find myself attracted to men who are younger than me.
I had always dated older.
I think I was around 55 when I started going through menopause.
Sex was fun again!
Whatever the case, Im ready for dating and this next new chapter.
Brenda B., 67, New York City
Now Im having the best sex of my life.
Ive been postmenopausal for a couple of years at least.
Now Im having the best sex of my life.
Its largely due to the fact that I know exactly what I want.
And I feel entitled to say, This is what I want.
And this is how I want it.
And to also say, No, thats not what I want even if its pretty minor.
I had actually very few menopausal challenges, although I started acupuncture early.
Ive done regular acupuncture for probably 20 years now.
So thats what I recommend not necessarily acupuncture but dont venture to go through menopause solo.
Get support, whatever support you might find, that will work for you.
As a sex coach, Im a huge proponent of masturbation.
Theres a quality of use it or lose it.
Find the vibrators that work for you.
There are so many available right now: vibrators, dildos, combos.
Dori Melton, 58, Oakland, California
My libido actually surged at menopause.
I didnt have expectations about how sex would be after menopause.
I had never heard that it might change due to menopause.
I think that was positive in that I didnt internalize stereotypes about inevitable libido changes.
My libido actually surged at menopause.
Sometimes considerable self-advocacy is required.
Jackie, 54, CaliforniaThis story was originally published onHuffPost.
