Menopause and Sexuality

Abstract

Clinical research confirms that declining sex activity is one of the most common and vexing problems of menopausal women. Numerous physical conditions, many of which are treatable, contribute to this decline. Aging male partners also experience changes that can interfere with sex. Research, however, indicates that psychological and emotional factors are equally or more important causes of the decline in sexual activity. Accumulation of resentment toward one's partner and other dissociated sexual trauma are two important psychological factors that the author believes contribute to a decline in sexual interest and activity at menopause. This paper reports on a two-part treatment approach that helps menopausal patients bring dissociated sexual trauma to consciousness and allows them to reconnect with sexual desire. Clinical examples illustrate the use of this treatment.

Keywords:

• menopause
• sexuality
• midlife
• female development
• estrogen
• hormones
• psychotherapy
• psychoanalysis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Susan Kolod

Susan Kolod, Ph.D. is Training and Supervising Analyst, William Alanson White Institute.