August 12, 2026, 3:36 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
On one hand, it’s genetic, but apparently, women can contribute to delaying menopause in a pleasurable way: through regular sex beyond the age of 40.
Two researchers from University College London (UCL) wanted to explore, among other things, why menopause tends to occur later in married women compared to single women. Could their sex life play a role?
Connection Between Sex and Menopause – The Study
To find out, the team led by Megan Arnot and Ruth Mace began a large-scale data collection in 1996.1 For this, 2,936 U.S. women between the ages of 42 and 52, who were not yet in menopause and had an average of two children, were regularly surveyed about their sexual activity over a period of ten years:
- How often did they have sexual intercourse?
- What were their preferences and practices?
In parallel, other factors such as estrogen levels, physical and mental health, education level, and weight were measured. Living with men—independent of sexual contact—was also considered as a possible factor.
Every Form of Sex Delayed Menopause
In the end, an intriguing picture emerged: Women with a regular sex life of at least once a week were 28 percent less likely to experience early menopause compared to those who engaged with a partner less than once a month. Even monthly sex had an effect. The type of practice didn’t matter: whether intercourse, oral sex, sexual touching, or even masturbation–every form of stimulation seems to signal to the body that pregnancy is still possible.
According to the researchers, this effect was even stronger if women indulged in their desires several times a week: Their chances of entering menopause well over the age of 52 (the average age determined by the study) were particularly high in that case. The relationship between sexual frequency and menopause timing was almost linear: the more frequent the sex, the later the menopause.
In contrast, neither living with a male partner nor with other men in the household had a measurable impact on the timing of menopause.
Sex Study Supports the Grandmother Hypothesis
For Arnot and Mace, these results suggest that the so-called “grandmother hypothesis” applies here. This hypothesis posits that the body of sexually inactive women releases signals earlier to save the energy-consuming process of cycles, ovulation, and menstruation. This way, more resources are available for the existing offspring. “This allows women to stay fit and healthy even in older age and take care of the family,” Arnot said. Socially, this is reflected in the fact that in almost all cultures, the grandmother has always played a special role in the upbringing and care of grandchildren. A phenomenon not found in the animal kingdom.
Sex as a “Remedy” for Hot Flashes
The study also reveals that a long marriage does not necessarily mean that libido must fade. Even couples who have been together for decades have more sex than singles of the same age. Although further research is needed on cause and effect, Arnot offers women a practical tip: “If you want to delay the onset of unpleasant symptoms (of menopause, ed.) such as hot flashes, it’s a good idea to try having more sex.”
Assessment of the Study
A strength of the study is the large number of participants. Additionally, various factors besides sex life were considered. However, the study cannot prove causal relationships and cannot rule out that factors such as diet or simply genetic predisposition played a role. Sex may contribute, but it is likely not the only influencing factor for the onset of menopause.
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Even During Menopause, Sex Has a Positive Impact According to Research
Even when menopause has finally begun, an active sex life can have positive effects on women. A study from 2023 concluded that sexually active women had less severe menopausal symptoms.2 However, the exact nature of the relationship could not be definitively clarified. Sex might influence the severity of the symptoms, or conversely, the better health of these women might lead to more desire and sexual enjoyment.
Sex in Old Age – What an Expert Says
Even if menopause has already set in or a woman is already in postmenopause, sex—in addition to closeness and fun—can bring health benefits. The positive effects of intimacy apply equally to young and old people. Of course, the prerequisite is that there are no health reasons, such as pre-existing conditions, that stand in the way of sex.
“Sex also has a training aspect, and we sweat, and the sweat is good for the pH value and the immune system of the skin,” explained Dr. Yael Adler, a specialist in dermatology, venous medicine, and nutritional medicine (DGEM), in a 2023 FITBOOK interview. “It has a cleansing function, strengthens the acid mantle, and moisturizes the skin. Additionally, during sex, the cardiovascular system is trained similarly to sports. We release oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which also makes us more patient and relaxed. Furthermore, the reward hormone dopamine, the happiness hormone serotonin, and other hormones are released, sharpening our senses.”
However, it is inevitable that a woman’s body changes due to menopause—and this can also affect the desire and enjoyment of sex. Dr. Adler has revealed what means and ways are available for women who suffer from symptoms and the negative impacts on their sex life.