New Study Reveals Self-Pleasure as Key to Menopause Relief

A recent study from the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University highlights self-pleasure as an effective strategy for managing menopause symptoms, particularly those affecting mood and sleep. Published in the journal Menopause, the research indicates that while many women are open to exploring this method, it remains largely unmentioned by healthcare providers.

The study surveyed a diverse group of 1,178 women aged 40 to 65 in the United States about their experiences with menopause and current symptom management strategies. These strategies included traditional options like hormone therapy and supplements, as well as lifestyle changes and sexual pleasure. Notably, nearly 14% of perimenopausal participants reported using regular masturbation as a means to alleviate symptoms.

Insights into Symptom Management Strategies

Participants reported a variety of approaches to managing menopause symptoms, with exercise (25%), relaxation techniques (24%), diet adjustments (21%), and supplements (19%) being the most common. Only 4% of women utilized prescribed hormone therapy, and about one-third indicated they had not engaged in any symptom management.

Among the methods evaluated, self-pleasure ranked highly on a 5-point effectiveness scale, scoring 4.35 compared to 3.89 to 4.06 for various lifestyle changes. Hormone therapy also received a high rating of 4.2, despite its low usage rates.

When asked about the impact of masturbation on specific menopause symptoms, 46% of perimenopausal participants noted improvements in at least one area, such as mood (43%), sexual desire and pleasure (13%), and sleep quality (13%). Other reported benefits included enhanced vaginal lubrication (11%), pain relief (8%), and a reduction in hot flashes (3%).

A significant finding from the study revealed that 66% of perimenopausal women would consider masturbating more frequently if informed of its potential benefits for symptom relief. Furthermore, 57% expressed willingness to try masturbation if recommended by their healthcare provider. This underscores the necessity for open discussions about sexual health between patients and providers.

Conversations on Menopause and Sexual Health

The research also indicated a generational shift in attitudes towards self-pleasure. Perimenopausal women were significantly more likely than their postmenopausal counterparts to report having masturbated within the past year and to express openness toward masturbation as a relief strategy. In contrast, 20% of women surveyed reported never having masturbated in their lifetime, indicating that not all women may be receptive to this approach, regardless of its potential benefits.

Dr. Cynthia Graham, Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute, emphasized the need for healthcare conversations to expand beyond traditional treatments. “Conversations about menopause often focus on hormone therapy or lifestyle changes, but self-pleasure remains overlooked,” she stated. “Our findings suggest masturbation may play a meaningful role in symptom management.”

This study contributes to a growing body of research connecting sexual well-being with effective menopause management. As approaches to managing menopause symptoms continue to evolve, the integration of a range of strategies—including self-pleasure—could enhance overall health outcomes for women navigating this phase of their lives.

For further details, refer to the article titled “The role of masturbation in relieving symptoms associated with menopause,” set to be published in March 2025 in the journal Menopause.