Menopause can involve more than hot flashes and night sweats. For some women, hormonal, physical, emotional, and sleep-related changes can affect an otherwise healthy sex life. If you are noticing changes and are not sure what is causing them, menopause may be part of the conversation to have with your medical providers and your partner.
Hormonal and physical changes
Hormonal changes are common during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen and testosterone levels can be all over the place, and women may experience night sweats, hot flashes, and mood changes.
Some women also experience vaginal dryness and discomfort. These physical symptoms can affect sexual wellness, even when sex has not previously been a concern. They are worth discussing with a doctor or other clinician who can help you understand what may be happening in your body.
Mood and sleep can be part of the picture
Emotional changes during perimenopause and menopause can include depression or anxiety that was not previously a concern. It can be difficult to know whether what you are experiencing is stress or something connected to menopause, so it is important to bring it up with your doctor, clinician, OB-GYN, or urologist.
Sleep problems can add to the difficulty. Sleep disturbances are common, and poor sleep can make everything feel harder. For some people, sleeping also involves worrying about whether a partner is being disturbed, or whether the room is too hot or too cold for them.
Bring the conversation into clinical care and your relationship
You may not think a change in mood, sleep, comfort, or sexual interest has anything to do with menopause. It could be menopause, and recognizing that can open up possible solutions. Talk with your medical providers about the symptoms you are experiencing rather than trying to sort them out alone.
These changes can also lead to hard discussions with a partner. A relationship therapist can help couples talk about sexual wellness and the physiological issues affecting it. The goal is to make room for what is happening instead of treating the change as a personal failure or an unexplained relationship problem.
If menopause may be affecting your sleep, mood, comfort, or sex life, start by talking with the appropriate clinicians and being honest with your partner about what you are experiencing.
