Menopause is the permanent absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, and every woman experiences it differently. Genetics, lifestyle, diet, exercise, social support, and previous psycho-emotional health greatly influence the symptoms and their intensity. According to a report accessed by the Argentine News Agency (NA), hot flashes, anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, decreased sexual desire, and other symptoms may be what a woman perceives when going through menopause. This is a significant moment in a woman's life that was a taboo for many years. For much of the 20th century, menopause usually occurred around the ages of 45–50, but female life expectancy was much lower than it is today. Many women lived only a few years after their last period, so treatments were not discussed to improve quality of life during this stage; it was simply assumed that one had to endure the symptoms. Today, however, women live several decades after menopause because living to be 80 or 90 is increasingly common, and this has completely changed the medical and social perspective: the goal now is for women to navigate this stage with health, well-being, and professional support. Medical professionals from the Gynecological Endocrinology Department of the Argentine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SAEM) explain that the focus has shifted; the transition to menopause is now 'an opportunity to address other aspects related to women's health care, both in terms of prevention and treatment.' Therefore, an honest dialogue not only strengthens the bond but also creates opportunities to reclaim desire beyond its hormonal level. Increased longevity means that women spend a third of their lives after menopause. Rediscovering the value of a new sexual experience is key. It's a transition from the stage of biological fertility to a period of life that is important to value and discover new possibilities. At this point, evaluation and guidance by qualified personnel are advised, with emphasis on several aspects: the use of lubricants and vaginal moisturizers to alleviate dryness; hormonal therapies (as medically indicated) that improve hot flashes, sleep, energy, lubrication, and sexual performance; local treatment for vulvovaginal atrophy (creams, gels, suppositories); testosterone (transdermal gel) in low doses in selected cases; psychological/sexological support to address stress, pain, anxiety, or fears; healthy habits: adequate rest, physical activity, reducing alcohol consumption, and advice on smoking cessation. Local hormonal treatment with estrogens or prasterone in creams and suppositories can be used without issues and is very effective. Why does sexual desire decrease during menopause? During menopause, levels of estrogen and testosterone, which influence sexual desire, decrease. This can cause vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and a decreased sexual response. Furthermore, the drop in estrogen often disrupts sleep, worsens the stress response, is associated with lower energy and fatigue, and changes in body image, which, combined with emotional lability (anxiety, easy crying, vulnerability), decrease libido. Although sexual desire does not decrease in all women, the common denominator is the transformation of desire. An integral approach with changes in lifestyle, diet, and physical activity is necessary, along with all available therapeutic options to improve their quality of life, they add. What are the most common symptoms of menopause? The most relevant symptoms are vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes), mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability), brain fog, decreased sexual desire, decreased vaginal lubrication, urinary tract infections, and loss of collagen in the skin. Other frequent symptoms are sleep disturbances exacerbated by night sweats and loss of energy with a greater feeling of fatigue even without changes in daily activities. The most bothersome symptom and the most frequent reason for consultation is hot flashes, which, depending on their intensity or frequency, alter quality of life and, in particular, disturb sleep and rest.
