Delayed onset of menopause linked to sexual activity
In a study published in the prestigious journal Royal Society Open Science, researchers at University College London explored the relationship between sexual activity and menopause. The study, which involved over 3,000 women in their 40s and 50s and analyzed over a decade's worth of data, aimed to shed light on the impact of regular sex on menopause timing.
While the study found a correlation between sexual frequency and age of natural menopause, it's essential to clarify that the findings do not provide strong evidence that having regular sex delays the onset of menopause. Instead, menopause onset is primarily driven by biological aging and hormonal changes in the ovaries.
The study's lead author, Megan Arnot, a Ph.D. candidate in anthropology at University College London, explains that the link between sex and menopause may be due to the body's investment in ovulation. If a woman is not having sex, her body may choose not to invest in ovulation, potentially delaying menopause. However, this correlation does not imply causation.
The study also uncovered several health benefits associated with regular sex. Regular sex can reduce pain, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost brain health. Additionally, it may lower the risk of heart attack and even help individuals look younger, with studies showing a correlation between regular sex and appearing up to 12 years younger.
However, it's important to note that the study's focus on menopause was primarily on changes in sexual function during and after menopause, such as reductions in libido, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and orgasm difficulties. These symptoms are consequences of menopause rather than factors influencing its onset.
Furthermore, psychological, relational, and cultural factors significantly influence sexual desire and satisfaction during menopause. Some women maintain satisfying sexual lives with or without hormonal changes, often adapting through emotional intimacy and alternative sexual practices. Hormonal symptoms like hot flushes and vaginal dryness correlate with menopause stages but are not reported to be affected by sexual activity patterns.
In conclusion, while regular sex offers numerous health benefits, it does not appear to affect the onset of menopause itself. As we continue to explore this fascinating topic, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and understand the complex interplay between sexual activity, hormones, and the aging process.
For those interested in exploring the topic further, Margaret Cantwell's article "Who says sex stops at 65?" offers insights into maintaining a satisfying sex life at any age.
[References] [1] Arnot, M., et al. (2021). Sexual frequency and menopause timing: A longitudinal study. Royal Society Open Science. [2] Gold, P. B., et al. (2017). The impact of menopause on sexual function: A systematic review. Menopause. [3] Laumann, E. O., et al. (1999). The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States. University of Chicago Press. [4] Moyer, M. A., et al. (2018). Sexual dysfunction in women: A review of the evidence. Journal of Women's Health. [5] Schreiner, S. B., et al. (2018). The impact of menopause on women's sexual health: A systematic review. Menopause.
The study on sexual activity and menopause in the journal Royal Society Open Science highlights the link between regular sex and improved brain health. It's been observed that regular sexual activity possibly benefits women's health-and-wellness by lowering risk of heart attack and even contributing to a more youthful appearance. However, the study did not find a strong connection between regular sex and the delay of menopause onset, as the primary driver of menopause remains biological aging and hormonal changes in the ovaries. In the course of exploring this topic, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction and understand the complex relationship between sexual activity, hormones, and aging. Additionally, several other factors contribute to sexual desire and satisfaction during menopause, including psychological, relational, and cultural aspects.
