August 6, 2025, 8:52 am | Read time: 5 minutes
On one hand, it’s genetic, but apparently, women can contribute to delaying menopause in a pleasurable way: by having regular sex after 40.
Two researchers from University College London (UCL) wanted to explore why menopause tends to occur later in married women compared to single women. Could their sex life play a role?
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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 They regularly surveyed 2,936 U.S. women aged 42 to 52, who were not yet in menopause and had an average of two children, about their sexual activity over a ten-year period:
- How often did they have 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.
Also interesting: Why women should masturbate more often
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 than those who engaged with a partner less than once a month. Even monthly sex had an effect. It proved entirely irrelevant which practice was preferred: whether with or without penetration, oral sex, or simply cuddling naked–all forms of erotic encounters seem to delay menopause.
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. 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” is at play. This hypothesis posits that the body of sexually inactive women releases signals earlier to conserve the energy-consuming processes of the cycle, ovulation, and menstruation. This way, more resources are available for existing offspring. “This allows women to stay fit and healthy 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.) like hot flashes, it’s a good idea to try having more sex.”
Study Assessment
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 like 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.
How Menopause Changes the Vagina
Why Women Shouldn’t Settle for This Intimate Problem
Even During Menopause, Sex Has a Positive Impact According to Research
Even when menopause has begun, an active sex life can have positive effects on women. A 2023 study concluded that sexually active women experienced less severe menopausal symptoms.2 However, the exact nature of the relationship could not be definitively clarified. Sex might influence the severity of 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 in post-menopause, sex–in addition to providing closeness and fun–can offer health benefits. The positive effects of intimacy apply to both young and old people alike. Of course, this assumes there are no health reasons, such as pre-existing conditions, that would prevent sex.
“Sex also has a training aspect, and we sweat, and the sweat is good for the pH balance and the skin’s immune system,” 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 ways and means to help women who suffer from symptoms and the negative impacts on their sex life here.