A new study published in the journal Menopause suggests that self-pleasure may offer significant relief for common menopause symptoms, including mood swings, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. Researchers from the Kinsey Institute surveyed about 1,200 women between the ages of 40 and 65 across the United States about their menopause experiences and the strategies they used to manage symptoms.
Participants were asked about a range of methods, from lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to supplements, hormone therapy, and sexual self-care. While 25% of women reported exercising and 21% adjusted their diet to manage symptoms, only 14% used masturbation as part of their symptom management plan. Despite being one of the least-used methods, masturbation scored among the highest for symptom relief, earning an average effectiveness rating of 4.35 out of 5. For comparison, hormone therapy scored 4.2, and lifestyle changes scored below 4.0.
Nearly half of perimenopausal women said self-pleasure improved at least one symptom, particularly mood and sleep. The researchers noted that orgasms trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, chemicals that ease pain and promote relaxation. This can support better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved mood stability, three areas that often decline during the menopause transition. There is also a physiological benefit, as arousal increases blood flow to vaginal tissue, which can help maintain elasticity and lubrication, issues many women face as estrogen levels drop.
The study also highlighted a gap in communication between doctors and patients. Only 7% of women said their doctor had ever mentioned masturbation as part of menopause care. Even when menopause itself was discussed, pleasure and sexual wellness were largely left out of the conversation. The researchers found a generational shift, with perimenopausal women significantly more open to trying masturbation for relief than older postmenopausal participants. Two-thirds of women said they would consider doing it more often if they knew it could help.
The findings point to a broader issue in women’s health care, where the topic of female pleasure remains taboo and is under-taught in medical training and under-discussed in clinical settings. The study suggests that self-pleasure is a free, accessible, and evidence-backed tool that could be part of a holistic approach to menopause management, alongside hormone therapy, nutrition, exercise, and supplements.
