Climax in girls. tag, and an SEO description in the tag:Unleash Your Sexual Potential: Discover the Power of Emotional Intimacy
Why is emotional intimacy the key to better sex? Explore the science behind the connection and learn practical tips to enhance your sexual experiences.
The Link Between Emotional Intimacy and Sexual Satisfaction
Intimacy and sex are closely related, but they are not the same thing. In today’s hookup culture, physical relations are often separated from feelings of trust, acceptance, empathy, and emotional connection. However, a growing body of research suggests that for many people, especially women, emotional intimacy can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences.
A study published in the American Sociological Review found that heterosexual college women have orgasms more often in relationships than in casual hookups. Another study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships reported that men are more likely than women to have dated and hooked up, but less likely to have formed long-term relationships, even though they are more likely to wish for more opportunities to do so.
The Downside of Casual Sex
According to Barbara D. Bartlik, MD, a psychiatrist and sex therapist at Weill Cornell Medical College, the hookup culture can be detrimental. “In this hookup culture, a lot of people get hurt, let down, and feel rejected. It’s not good,” she says.
3 Ways Emotional Intimacy Enhances Sexual Experiences
1. Increased Communication: When you feel accepted and valued, you become more comfortable discussing your fantasies and what brings you pleasure. As Dr. Bartlik explains, “If you can’t talk about it, how is your partner going to know what you want?”
2. Vulnerability and Trust: Emotional intimacy allows you to take risks and expose vulnerabilities, which can lead to new and enjoyable sexual experiences. When your partner trusts you, they will be more likely to reveal their inner thoughts and desires, strengthening the connection between you.
3. Authentic Self-Expression: Feeling emotionally connected enables you both to be your authentic selves, which is essential for satisfying sex. A meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology found that people with more open attitudes about sexual pleasure are able to explore their sexuality without guilt, leading to more satisfying encounters.
Overcoming Barriers to Intimacy
Many people struggle with making themselves vulnerable, both physically and emotionally, to another person. If you want to increase intimacy in your sex life, consider the following tips:
Be Present
Focus on the present experience rather than letting your mind wander. Research by Lori A. Brotto, PhD, has shown that mindfulness training can significantly improve sexual responsiveness in women with anxiety-related sexual dysfunction by helping them focus on sensations in their bodies before and during sexual encounters.
Know Yourself
Understand your sexual needs and be true to yourself, as Michael Krychman, MD, recommends. This self-knowledge will help you communicate your desires to your partner more effectively.
Communicate and Compromise
Men and women often have different priorities in relationships. By being open and respectful of each other’s needs, you can minimize frustration. As Dr. Bartlik explains, “In general, women need intimacy to feel sexual, while men need sex to be intimate. When he has sex with you, then he will want to talk to you. Women are more likely to need that trust before they will allow sex to occur.”
Reframe Negative Thoughts
If you have negative thoughts or insecurities that make you shut down during sex, Dr. Krychman recommends a process of recognizing, extinguishing, and replacing those thoughts. Focus on the positive and embrace your body and your sexual abilities.
Cultivating Emotional Intimacy for Better Sex
The research is clear: Emotional intimacy is the key to unlocking more satisfying sexual experiences, especially for women. By fostering trust, communication, and authentic self-expression, you can deepen your connection with your partner and take your sex life to new heights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article has highlighted the powerful link between emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction, providing a wealth of insights and practical tips to help readers cultivate deeper connections and more fulfilling sexual experiences. By embracing vulnerability, communicating openly, and focusing on the present moment, individuals and couples can unlock the true potential of their intimate relationships.
Better Sex Through Intimacy | Everyday Health
Emotional intimacy can lead to better sexual experiences for many people, especially women.
Intimacy and sex are related but are not the same. It’s possible to have one without the other. Case in point: Today’s hookup culture separates physical relations from feelings of trust, acceptance, empathy and emotional connection, and mutual commitment.
RELATED: Taking Care of Your Sexual Health
Does a Closer Relationship Mean More Sexual Satisfaction?
For many people, especially women, intimacy can lead to better sexual experiences. A study published in American Sociological Review (1) found that heterosexual college women have orgasms more often in relationships than in hookups. Another study, in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2) in 2015, reported that “men are more likely than women to have dated and hooked up and less likely to have formed a long-term relationship, although they are more likely to wish there were more opportunities to form long-term relationships. ”
RELATED: 7 Healthy Reasons You Should Have Sex — Right Now!
The Downside of Casual Sex and No-Strings-Attached Sexual Encounters
“In this hookup culture, a lot of people get hurt, let down, and feel rejected. It’s not good,” says Barbara D. Bartlik, MD, a psychiatrist and sex therapist at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
3 Ways Emotional Intimacy Makes Sex Better
1. When you know you are accepted and valued, you are more comfortable talking about your fantasies and what gives you pleasure.
“I am all for talking about sex. People think it’s like in the movies, where two people run together without saying a word and just immediately proceed to have mind-blowing sex. Good sex in the real world is not like that. If you can’t talk about it, how is your partner going to know what you want?” says Dr. Bartlik, who is also the coauthor of the book Integrative Sexual Health.
2. When you trust the other person, you are willing to take risks and expose vulnerabilities that can lead to new, enjoyable experiences. When your partner trusts you, they will reveal their inner thoughts and desires, which will make you more connected as a couple.
3. When you feel emotionally connected, you both can be your authentic selves. A meta-analysis published in January 2014 in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology (3) found that people with more open attitudes about sexual pleasure are able to explore their sexuality without guilt, which makes for more satisfying sex.
RELATED: Sex Therapy: What Men and Women Should Know
Sexual Wants and Needs: How to Achieve More Intimate Experiences
Many people are uncomfortable or afraid of making themselves vulnerable — physically and emotionally — to another person. If you want more intimacy in your sex life, here are some helpful guidelines:
- Be present. Focus on the experience rather than letting yourself get distracted by random thoughts. Think about and enjoy what you are experiencing and how you might give pleasure to your partner in return. In her research, Lori A. Brotto, PhD, the executive director of the Women’s Health Research Institute and the Canada research chair in women’s sexual health at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver has found significant improvement in responsiveness in women suffering from anxiety-related sexual dysfunction through use of mindfulness training. Mindfulness allows them “to non-judgmentally focus on sexual sensations in their bodies before and during sexual encounters, and indirectly, by improving mood and decreasing stress and anxiety.” (4)
- Know thyself. Know your sexual needs and be true to yourself, says Michael Krychman, MD, the executive director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health in Newport Beach. Only then will you know what to ask for.
- Work together to get in sync. Men and women may have different priorities in relationships. If you can each be open to and respectful of each other’s priorities, there may be less frustration. “In general, women need intimacy to feel sexual, while men need sex to be intimate. When he has sex with you, then he will want to talk to you. Women are more likely to need that trust before they will allow sex to occur,” says Bartlik. This can make for misunderstandings and frustration, but open communication can go a long way to minimizing it.
- Rewrite the script in your head. When you try to be sexual, are there negative refrains going through your head that make you ashamed of your body or your technique and make you shut down? (“My stomach sags. Who could make love to that?” “She’s secretly laughing at my small penis.”) Dr. Krychman recommends this process: Recognize the thought, extinguish the thought, and replace the thought. When the judgy tapes in your head start up, recognize this is a negative thought, focus on the positive, and replace that thought with: “I am enjoying the sensations of being close, connected, and intimate with my partner. This should be my new focal point. Let me focus on my sexual feelings and experience in the moment.”
- Stay in touch even when you are apart. When you and your partner have been separated for a while, you can get disconnected. It may take a little while to reestablish the rhythm of intimacy. While we all decry the ways overuse of technology can be detrimental to real connection, “the internet and mobile applications can provide a great way to extend the intimacy in relationships and feel closer even when we are physically apart by keeping in touch during the day through text messages, Skype or Facetime or sharing photos,” says Anna M. Lomanowska, PhD, in the department of psychology at the University of Toronto at Mississauga, who has studied the phenomenon. (6)
- Recognize the problem. If you yearn for intimacy and yet run from commitment, you need to accept that you are getting in your own way. A good therapist or sex therapist can help you iron out any past traumas that are still affecting you. “It’s never about the what; it’s the why. Why do you feel this way? It usually involves something unresolved in your past. Introspection is very critical,” says Krychman, who is also the coauthor of The Sexual Spark. You can find licensed therapists in your area at the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists or the American Academy of Psychotherapists.
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Female orgasms: Different types & how to climax
Updated
23 January 2023
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Published
30 August 2018
Fact Checked
Medically reviewed by Jordan Rullo, PhD, Clinical health psychologist and certified sex therapist, Utah, US
Written by Olivia Cassano
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The female orgasm is often characterized as mysterious and hard to reach, but that doesn’t have to be true. Here, a Flo expert explains what exactly happens when you reach peak pleasure and how to get there.
Climax. The big O. Reaching the boil. However you refer to it, the female orgasm is a pretty amazing thing. If you’ve had one, then you may know that orgasms feel great, but did you know they also have some cool health benefits too? If you feel happier after you’ve climaxed, that’s no coincidence (and we’ll explain why below).
If orgasms are a perfectly natural and healthy thing, why is it that many of us never learn about them in health class? Your sex education teacher may have taught you all about birth control and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They probably touched on male orgasms as a way of getting pregnant. However, when it comes to the female orgasm, there’s still some level of mystery and stigma attached.
There’s so much to understand about female orgasms, including what happens to your body when you have one and how to reach climax by yourself and with a partner. Here, two Flo experts share everything you need to know. Get ready: Your friends will call you the orgasm oracle by the end of this.
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What is a female orgasm?
First things first, you might be curious about what an orgasm actually is. And there’s a fairly simple top-line answer: It’s one of your body’s responses to reaching the height of sexual arousal (or being turned on).
“During orgasm, the uterus and muscles of the pelvic floor contract in a rhythmic fashion that is pleasurable for most women,” explains Dr. Brandye Wilson-Manigat, obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN), California, US. This can feel like throbbing, twitching, tensing, or spasms in your vagina and anus. “Some women report a sensation of their whole body being involved in the contractions.”
Orgasms don’t just happen out of the blue. They can feel like a buildup of pleasure and sexual tension. And that’s because orgasm is just one part of your body’s sexual response cycle. Prepare for some sexy science now; there are different phases when you’re feeling frisky.
- Desire: Having the urge to be intimate with a partner or alone. Your heart rate might quicken, and the blood flow to your vagina will increase. This pushes fluid to the surface of your vaginal walls, giving you the sensation of being wet.
- Excitement or feeling turned on: Your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure will continue to increase, and you might notice that your clitoris and labia (the inner and outer lips of your vulva) start to feel more sensitive.
- Orgasm: This is the big O. The muscles in your vagina, uterus, and anus will contract (it might feel like a squeezing sensation), and you might feel a quick release of sexual tension.
- Resolution: This is when your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing return to normal, and you might notice a warm feeling of well-being or satisfaction.
Did you know that no two orgasms are the same? They can vary in length and intensity (but more on that below).
What happens during female orgasms, and what does it feel like?
Trying to explain what an orgasm feels like to other people can be really tough. We rarely have anything that we can compare our own orgasms to, and like falling in love, people often say you “just know” when you’ve had one. You might even notice that climaxing feels different to you each time. This is totally typical and healthy.
“Orgasms can feel different, even if you are stimulating the same spot in the same way,” says Dr. Wilson-Manigat. “Some are more like a ‘fireworks on the Fourth of July’ sensation. Your whole body feels like it’s at a celebration. Others may feel like a slow burn, giving you a warm, satisfying sensation. ”
While it might feel like all the action of your orgasm is taking place in your genitals, there’s a lot going on in your brain, too. When you orgasm, your brain releases a surge in dopamine, the feel-good hormone. This helps you to recognize what you enjoy and gives you that sense of pleasure. Your brain also releases oxytocin. This is sometimes called the bonding hormone because it triggers a sense of love and attachment.
Sounds pretty amazing, right? This surge in happy hormones is just one reason why reaching the big O is good for you. Keep reading to find out why.
What are the different types of female orgasms?
You might have heard your friends talk about an amazing nipple orgasm or an intense anal orgasm and wondered whether these are different types of orgasms. Here’s your answer: This is actually a little bit of a myth. “When people say there are different types of female orgasms, they usually mean which erogenous zone was stimulated for orgasm,” explains Dr. Sara Twogood, obstetrician and gynecologist, California, US. “It’s not that the orgasm itself is different; it’s the way the orgasm is achieved is different.”
So let’s break that down. If you stimulate different parts of your body, you might reach orgasm. Areas that can help you to orgasm are:
- Clitoris: According to a survey published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, around 36% of the 1,000 women they spoke to said they needed some form of clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm. You can see part of your clitoris just above the opening of your vagina. It pays to know where your clitoris is, so you can learn more about yours here.
- Vagina: This is when you climax during vaginal penetration. A study found that only 18% of female orgasms come from vaginal stimulation.
- Anus: You might experience an anal orgasm while having the outside of your anus touched.
- Erogenous zones: You have erogenous zones all over your body. These are places where it feels really good to be touched. Some erogenous zones include your breasts, lips, neck, and thighs.
No matter where you’re being touched, if you reach orgasm, your body responds in the same way. But it’s so important to remember that there’s no “right” type of orgasm — we all experience sexual pleasure in different ways. It’s very healthy to explore what you like either on your own or with a partner you trust.
Where does the G-spot come in?
In your conversations about orgasms, you might have heard about the elusive G-spot, or the Grafenberg spot to give it its full name. Did you know that you might be able to feel your own G-spot? It’s thought to be inside your vagina on the upper wall. It swells when you’re feeling aroused and can feel bumpy, a little bit like a walnut.
Some people believe that you can reach orgasm by stroking and pressing on the G-spot. However, that’s still not certain where scientific evidence is concerned. In fact, some research has suggested that the G-spot doesn’t even exist and that it’s just part of the structure of the clitoris that’s inside your body. To learn more about your anatomy and the way your body works, you can download an app like Flo.
There’s no denying that the G-spot is a hotly debated topic. But when it comes to getting intimate with a partner or having fun alone, you don’t need to worry too much about pleasure politics. If you’ve found something that makes you feel good, then keep going.
Male vs. female orgasms: How do they differ?
It might feel like it takes you ages to reach climax, whereas your male partners can get there in 30 seconds. But while the timing of orgasms can differ, fundamentally, male and female orgasms are the same. “Both are the release of built-up sexual tension resulting in rhythmic muscle contractions in the pelvic floor,” says Dr. Wilson-Manigat.
“It seems to be easier for males to orgasm simply because their penis can be directly stimulated during intercourse, whereas for women, stimulation of the areas on her body that can lead to orgasm is not as easily achieved with [penetrative] intercourse alone,” Dr. Wilson-Manigat continues.
One key difference between male and female orgasms is that male orgasms usually involve the ejaculation of semen. Female ejaculation can happen when fluid is released from the Skene’s glands, two ducts found on either side of your urethra (the tube connected to your bladder that allows urine to leave your body). This can feel like a trickle of liquid. You might not even notice it’s happened.
Another key difference is that female orgasms can come in multiples — one after the other in a short amount of time. “Males have a longer resolution (also known as refractory) period so have longer time between orgasms, whereas females can have consecutive orgasms,” explains Dr. Twogood. So while it might take you a little bit more time to get there, in the right situation, you could reach climax after climax. Lucky, right?
How to orgasm
There’s no cheat sheet to having an orgasm. The best way to work out what you enjoy and how you might most easily reach climax is by experimenting with masturbation (with your fingers or a sex toy) and by communicating with your sexual partner(s).
“Masturbation is important to learn about your own body, to see what feels good and what movements, textures, vibrations, and pressure the body is responsive to,” says Dr. Twogood. “Everyone is different! What is arousing for some people is not for others.”
There’s a myth that female orgasms are complicated and elusive, but that’s not at all true. “Orgasms are not inherently difficult to reach,” says Dr. Wilson-Manigat. Here, she gives some tips on how to reach orgasm.
- Explore your body. “The first thing you need to know is where to stimulate and spend some time exploring those areas. Pay attention to what feels good to you.”
- Be in the moment. “Orgasm is easier to reach when you are present and in the moment.” One way to do this is to find mindfulness techniques that work for you. These include practicing breathing exercises, meditation, and body scans.
- Try to relax. “You may have the intention to orgasm, but don’t get so caught up in reaching orgasm that you can’t enjoy the buildup of pleasure and excitement. Relax into the sensations and enjoy the journey.”
What are the health benefits of female orgasms?
Aside from feeling great, Research has suggested that female orgasms have several health benefits. Win, win! These include:
- Easing period cramps
- Improving your self-confidence
- Improving your sleep quality
- Relieving headaches and pain
- Reducing your stress levels
So the next time you want to schedule a little date night with yourself, remember it’s actually healthy for you, too.
Why some women can’t orgasm
Orgasms are a pretty amazing thing, but you won’t be the only one if you feel there’s pressure for every sexual experience to end in one. It’s estimated that 65% of heterosexual women, 66% of bisexual women, and 86% of lesbian women usually or always reach orgasm during sex with a partner. The people who orgasm the most are more likely to receive oral sex, be more satisfied with their relationship, and feel comfortable asking for what they want in the bedroom.
And while it may not be something you feel comfortable speaking about with your friends, they’ll likely have experienced not reaching the big O all of the time, too. You might struggle to orgasm for so many reasons, and it’s crucial that you don’t blame yourself.
One factor could be that you may not be getting the sexual stimulation you need. Problems within your relationship or a previous sexual trauma can play a role in struggling to orgasm. And hormonal changes such as transitioning into menopause can impact your experience in the bedroom. You also might just not orgasm every time you have sex, which is a totally normal thing.
Some medical conditions that impact blood flow and nerve supply to the pelvis can affect your ability to have an orgasm. These include hypertension, coronary artery disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. And certain medications like antidepressants (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and blood pressure medications may also make it harder for you to reach orgasm. If you take any medication, you can speak to your doctor about whether it could impact your libido and ability to have an orgasm.
We all deserve a satisfying sex life, so if you’re struggling to reach orgasm, then don’t be afraid to speak to your doctor. They may ask you questions about any changes in your life and your relationship. They may also pass you on to a specialist (like a sex therapist).
Dr. Wilson-Manigat explains that in some cases, struggling to orgasm can be a sign of female orgasm disorder (it used to be called anorgasmia). “It’s characterized by delayed, infrequent, or absent orgasms after sexual arousal,” she says — even if you’ve tried all the things you know you like.
“The cause of female orgasmic disorder is complex, and no single cause has been identified,” adds Dr. Wilson-Manigat. “It can be associated with stress, relational issues, depression, anxiety, certain medications, chronic illness, and chronic pain conditions.”
What is the orgasm gap?
A term has been coined that refers to the fact that statistically, women have fewer orgasms than men. It’s called the “orgasm gap.”
“The orgasm gap is a term to describe the difference in orgasm frequency between women and men,” says Dr. Wilson-Manigat. “The way I explain it is, for every 10 times a heterosexual couple engages in sexual intercourse, the man will orgasm eight to 10 of those times, while the woman will orgasm four to five of those times. For women in lesbian relationships, the number of orgasms for women will increase to six to eight of those times.”
“A common feeling is that sex is over once the male partner has climaxed. That leaves open the question of what happens to the female partner?”
One study revealed that women orgasm around 62% of the time while having sex regularly with a familiar partner. This is compared to 85% of the time for men — but the research into the orgasm gap varies.
“A common feeling is that sex is over once the male partner has climaxed,” explains Dr. Twogood. “That leaves open the question of what happens to the female partner if she hasn’t climaxed. How is sex over if she still wants to climax?”
A recent study even showed that women who have a harder time reaching orgasm stop prioritizing their sexual pleasure, meaning that they end up having fewer and fewer orgasms. No matter how difficult it is for you to reach orgasm, you deserve a healthy and fulfilling sex life.
Having said that, it’s important to know that orgasms are not the be-all and end-all of sexual pleasure. You can still have a positive, satisfying sex life even if you don’t orgasm every time or at all. But no one should be made to feel like their sexual enjoyment isn’t important. If having orgasms is important to you, you should try to open a conversation with your partner about it.
Can you speak to your doctor if you can’t orgasm?
“If you’re having trouble climaxing, start with your doctor,” recommends Dr. Wilson-Manigat. “They may be able to rule out some of the medical conditions, like hypertension or diabetes, that can affect blood flow and nerve endings to the genital area. ”
Once you’ve had an initial chat with your doctor, they may refer you to an OB-GYN. However, not all OB-GYNs will be specially trained to talk to you about pleasure. In this case, it might be best to reach out to a sexual medicine specialist or therapist. They’re the real pros at getting to the bottom of what might be holding you back from reaching the big O every time.
Female orgasm: The takeaway
A female orgasm is a pleasurable physical sensation that happens after a buildup of sexual stimulation. There is no one way to reach orgasm, and it can feel different from person to person and even from sexual experience to sexual experience.
Statistically, women and people with a vulva are less likely to orgasm during sex, but this isn’t because female orgasms are “difficult” to reach (that’s a myth!). Health conditions, stress, and even certain medications can make orgasms more challenging, but you can learn how to orgasm by exploring your body and trying different ways to pleasure yourself.
Orgasms aren’t a requirement for a healthy and enjoyable sex life, but it’s totally natural to want to get there. If you have trouble reaching orgasm and it’s weighing on your mind, you can reach out to your doctor, OB-GYN, or sexual medicine specialist to find a solution.
References
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“Arousal.” Planned Parenthood, www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/arousal. Accessed 5 Jan. 2023.
Bohlen, J. G., et al. “The Female Orgasm: Pelvic Contractions.” Archives of Sexual Behavior, vol. 11, no. 5, Oct. 1982, pp. 367–86.
Bradford, Andrea. “Treatment of Female Orgasmic Disorder.” UpToDate, 14 July 2022, www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-female-orgasmic-disorder.
Mitrokostas, S. “Here’s What Happens to Your Body and Brain When You Orgasm. ” Science Alert, 25 Jan. 2019, www.sciencealert.com/here-s-what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-orgasm.
“Clitoris.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22823-clitoris. Accessed 5 Jan. 2023.
Frederick, David A., et al. “Differences in Orgasm Frequency among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Men and Women in a U.S. National Sample.” Archives of Sexual Behavior, vol. 47, no. 1, Jan. 2018, pp. 273–88.
Herbenick, Debby, et al. “Women’s Experiences with Genital Touching, Sexual Pleasure, and Orgasm: Results from a U.S. Probability Sample of Women Ages 18 to 94.” Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, vol. 44, no. 2, Feb. 2018, pp. 201–12.
Jannini, Emmanuele A., et al. “Beyond the G-Spot: Clitourethrovaginal Complex Anatomy in Female Orgasm.” Nature Reviews: Urology, vol. 11, no. 9, Sep. 2014, pp. 531–38.
Levin, R. J., and G. Wagner. “Orgasm in Women in the Laboratory: Quantitative Studies on Duration, Intensity, Latency, and Vaginal Blood Flow. ” Archives of Sexual Behavior, vol. 14, no. 5, Oct. 1985, pp. 439–49.
Mahar, Elizabeth A., et al. “Orgasm Equality: Scientific Findings and Societal Implications.” Current Sexual Health Reports, vol. 12, no. 6, Mar. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00237-9.
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History of updates
Current version
(23 January 2023)
Medically reviewed by Jordan Rullo, PhD, Clinical health psychologist and certified sex therapist, Utah, US
Written by Olivia Cassano
30 August 2018
Menopause in women – symptoms, causes and signs
Menopausal syndrome is a condition that impairs the quality of life.
Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing the female hormones estrogens, and the well-established circadian rhythms of sex hormones in the brain and ovaries stop working. In accordance with this, a woman first begins to get confused, delayed, and then her periods completely stop coming.
This is of great importance, because there are receptors for these same estrogens in all tissues and organs.
Estrogen receptors, in addition to the reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, mammary glands) have:
- Skin and subcutaneous fat. Estrogens help her maintain her tone and stay young. And the subcutaneous fat itself can even produce, albeit weak, but estrogen, so when menopause approaches, some women gain weight. It is necessary to somehow compensate for the emerging disadvantage;
- Bladder. There are receptors on the mucous membrane of the bladder, especially its posterior wall; it is intimately adjacent to the anterior wall of the vagina;
- Heart and blood vessels. According to statistics, 2 years after the onset of menopause, the incidence of heart attack and stroke in men and women becomes the same, until that time the woman was “protected” by estrogens. In addition, estrogens regulate cholesterol metabolism and thus protect arteries from atherosclerosis;
- Bone tissue. Estrogens help with the help of special substances – growth factors and interleukins – osteoblast cells to accumulate and retain calcium in the bones, preventing the development of osteoporosis;
- Nervous system. Scientists have determined that thanks to estrogens, brain cells are protected from destruction and impulses are generated faster. This confirms the fact that a woman has a better developed memory. Also, female hormones prevent the accumulation of protein in the brain cells, which is one of the causes of the development of Alzheimer’s disease;
- Immune system. Estrogens are able to “stimulate” the type of cells in the immune system that is responsible for the synthesis of antibodies in the body and protection against infections.
What do we know about menopause
Menopause is a natural process that normally occurs in a woman’s body after the age of 45, when the production of female sex hormones gradually begins to decrease. The onset of menopause is not inherited.
Signs and symptoms that indicate the onset of menopause
The only indisputable fact of menopause is the absence of menstruation for more than 1 year. All other symptoms and signs may or may not occur. Symptoms and signs of the onset of menopause are not always clear and are often similar to those of other diseases. However, we will think about menopause in a woman over 45 if:
- the cycle is lengthened or confused;
- hot flashes appear. One of the most common women’s complaints is a sensation of heat that occurs spontaneously, which may be accompanied by profuse sweating. Hot flashes can be either mild, up to 10 times a day and almost imperceptible and not noticeable to others, or have very vivid manifestations;
- causeless mood changes: aggressiveness, apathy, tearfulness – appear due to lack of estrogen;
- insomnia;
- weight gain.
Attention! All of these symptoms may or may not be severe. The causes of these conditions may be the upcoming menopause, or simply fatigue, problems at work, or insufficiency, such as the thyroid gland. Therefore, when these symptoms appear, it is better to go to the doctor.
To understand the processes occurring in a woman, the terminology was adopted:
- Premenopausal period or changeopause – occurs at the age of over 45 before menopause.
- Menopause is the last menstruation in a woman’s life, but it is possible to assume that this is it only after a year of absence of menstruation. On average, this occurs at the age of 50-51 years.
- Perimenopausal is the entire period from premenopause plus 2 years after menopause.
- Postmenopause – the entire final period in a woman’s life after menopause.
What do we treat in menopause and is it necessary?
Menopause is not a disease, but there are not many happy women who have menopause suddenly and no more menstruation.
As a rule, these are primarily hot flashes, these are symptoms that greatly affect the quality of life of a modern woman. Hot flashes can be either very light, almost imperceptible to others, or pronounced, accompanied by profuse sweating, after which it is necessary to change clothes. For a modern woman leading an active life, this can become a serious problem.
But the tides are the tip of the iceberg. The same weight gain, dryness in the vagina or a sharp decrease in libido.
Further, during menopause, after 2-3 years, dysuric phenomena may appear – frequent urination, urinary incontinence, the skin becomes dry and wrinkles become larger.
3 years after the cessation of menstruation, an increase in pressure may appear.
If you want to cure hot flashes, this is one of those rare cases where herbal medicine and homeopathy can help. But temporary and ineffective. Here you can also achieve a positive effect with a contrast shower, diet, etc. Homeopathy will not help the aging of the body that occurs with menopause, not to mention the fact that these are drugs with unproven effectiveness.
What helps?
Hormone replacement therapy helps (oh, that terrible word hormones), but it is HRT that will help you maintain your weight and even reduce it. It is HRT that will return your libido and the feeling of flying, and it is HRT that will protect your body from cardiovascular diseases, problems with urinary incontinence and osteoporosis.
It must be remembered that these drugs are prescribed only by a doctor, after a complete examination of the woman. It is necessary to check the blood, the risk of diabetes, an increased risk of thrombosis, the risk of breast cancer, exclude thyroid pathology, etc.
I would like to note that contraindications for the appointment of HRT is smoking.
A modern woman wants to keep her youth, beauty and health as long as possible. She wants to lead an active lifestyle regardless of age.
Gynecologists of the BaltMed Clinic on Vasilyevsky Island have extensive experience in the treatment of menopausal disorders.
Other reasons for the onset of menopause
We have already said that menopause is a natural process, every woman at the age of 45-54 faces it. However, there are a number of reasons why menopause may begin earlier. Causes of early menopause can be:
- The ovaries stop producing the right amount of hormones due to autoimmune diseases or genetic predisposition. In this case, a woman may experience menopause before the age of 40. To help the body, it is important to carry out hormone therapy at least until the age of physiological menopause. This will help prevent premature health problems.
- Surgical spaying , after which menstruation stops and menopause occurs almost immediately. Hormonal changes occur abruptly, so a woman’s body feels serious stress.
- Surgical removal of the uterus , after which menstruation stops, hormone production gradually decreases. Menopause begins earlier than usual, but more gradually than in the case of removal of the ovaries.
- Chemical or radio beam therapy in the treatment of cancer may induce menopause. In the case of radiation therapy, the effect occurs only if the ovaries are specifically irradiated.
Menopause treatment
We have already said that if the climacteric period did not come naturally and much earlier, the woman definitely needs hormonal therapy.
Treatment of natural menopause is necessary if its symptoms complicate life. For example, when memory impairment and irritability interfere with normal work. Recall that most diseases occur due to a lack of hormones, so everything is decided by hormone therapy. It allows you to artificially maintain the necessary level of hormones in the body.
In the clinic “BaltMed on Vasilevsky Island” we select drugs and make a regimen of hormone replacement therapy individually for each woman. In the recommendations, we prefer natural estrogens and their analogues. If the patient has a preserved uterus, be sure to include progesterone in the regimen to exclude endometrial hyperplasia. We also provide advice on lifestyle changes. We discuss the importance of giving up bad habits and maintaining proper nutrition, as well as regular visits to doctors, primarily a gynecologist.
It is the gynecologist who prescribes the necessary examination and, based on its results, draws up a hormone replacement therapy regimen. It is important to choose a qualified specialist, since improper hormone intake can provoke thrombosis or the appearance of tumors. A well-designed scheme is designed to relieve the symptoms of menopause and make a woman’s quality of life better. The gynecologist also monitors the changes in the woman, adjusts the course and makes additional appointments. For example, in the absence of menstruation for 5 years, some patients notice urine leakage when sneezing. This is due to dryness in the vagina and urethra. To control this process, it is important to choose candles or ointments for artificial moisturizing.
If necessary, the gynecologist also recommends additional methods to return the woman’s life back to normal. For example, he advises the patient to work with a psychologist in order to get rid of the idea that the onset of menopause speaks of old age, to cope with depressive moods that exhaust and deprive a woman of strength. With the right mindset and therapy, menopause can be as comfortable for a patient as her whole life.
Resume
Thus menopause is a stage in a woman’s life, which is laid down by nature. Its onset cannot be avoided, but almost all of its negative symptoms can be stopped with the help of hormone replacement therapy and additional treatments. The most important thing is to realize the changes and understand the importance of a more reverent attitude towards yourself and your body during this period. Turning to the clinic “BaltMed on Vasilyevsky Island” for help, you will receive professional support at any stage of restoring women’s health during the menopause.
Menopause in women: causes, symptoms, signs, treatment
The period of physiological decline in reproductive function in women and men is called menopause. The totality of conditions and changes occurring in the body during this period is referred to as the “climacteric syndrome”.
The onset of menopause is a natural process that cannot be prevented, but it is possible to control it, minimize negative factors, alleviate symptoms, and maintain vigor of the body and spirit throughout the menopause and postmenopausal period.
It is impossible to say exactly what time menopause begins in women – everyone has individual genetics and health conditions, and the reproductive system functions differently. As a rule, menopause in women occurs after 45 years. During this period, there is a deficiency of estrogens – the most important female hormones that are produced in the ovarian follicles. Lack of these hormones causes ovarian failure and leads to menopause.
Wrong lifestyle, bad habits and other negative factors can contribute to premature menopause (35-37 years old).
Stages of menopause
The decline of reproductive function in women occurs gradually. In general, the menopause can be divided into 3 main stages:
- Early (premenopausal)
Occurs around age 45, although in some women the first signs of menopause may appear as early as 38-40 years. The function of the ovaries is still preserved, but menstruation becomes irregular, the intervals between them increase. A woman may feel the first ailments associated with a change in hormonal levels, including a decrease in libido, headache attacks, a feeling of blues and apathy. - Intermediate (menopause)
Occurs in women at 50-55 years of age. Immediately during menopause, the ovaries stop working, menstruation disappears completely, but occasionally it can come at very long intervals. It is at this stage that the climacteric syndrome manifests itself most of all. Estrogen deficiency can cause the development of various pathologies. Therefore, women are advised to contact specialists to correct the hormonal background and exclude complications during menopause. - Late (postmenopausal)
This is the period from the very last menstruation to the end of life. Postmenopause is characterized by a complete “turn off” of the reproductive function, the disappearance or attenuation of all the unpleasant symptoms that plagued during menopause.
Signs and symptoms of menopause
At each stage of menopause there is a certain set of symptoms and signs, but they are most pronounced during menopause. Women begin to notice changes in their health and appearance, in connection with which they turn to a doctor. The main symptoms of menopause in women are:
vegetovascular disorders:
- headache attacks
- frequent “hot flashes” (sudden sensation of heat, redness of the face, red spots on the neck and chest)
- blood pressure spikes
- excessive sweating
- palpitations
genital manifestations:
- vaginal dryness
- itching and discomfort
- Urinary incontinence
immune manifestations:
- immunosuppression
- frequent colds
- possible development of autoimmune diseases
psychoneurotic manifestations:
- memory impairment
- depression
- drowsiness or vice versa insomnia
appearances:
- impaired collagen production
- appearance of wrinkles
- dry skin
- hair loss
- brittle nails
- weight set.
Diagnostics and treatment of menopause
Climax itself is not a disease, but the accompanying symptoms and the problems that develop against them need to be diagnosed and treated.
Women who first encountered symptoms of menopause should not panic. First of all, you need to sign up for a consultation with a gynecologist, who will be able to correctly explain the situation, conduct additional examinations and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the ailments that have arisen.
In the early stages of menopause, estrogen production can be corrected with the help of special preparations. The correct type and dosage of medicines for each patient is prescribed strictly by the doctor based on the current condition and the studies performed.
A gynecologist not only provides symptomatic treatment, but also makes a list of recommendations, the observance of which will help prevent the development of chronic diseases and other pathologies.