Menopause isn't easy to deal with.

Hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, mood swings, loss of libido… the symptoms of menopause can impact your daily well-being, and they last a long time.

Leading women’s sexual wellness company Womanizer conducted a survey to find out what habits might help manage these symptoms. They partnered with the Kinsey Institute and surveyed 1,500 American women aged 40 to 65 to understand the changes women experience during menopause, how menopause affects their sex lives and pleasure, and how they manage their symptoms.

This Habit May Reduce Menopause Symptoms

One in 10 menopausal women use masturbation as their main tool to manage symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, and night sweats, according to the survey results. The release of endorphins and oxytocin that occurs during orgasm can help reduce stress, pain, mood swings, and irritability. These hormones are also very useful during menstrual pain, which is why masturbation is also recommended to calm them. Endorphins can also promote relaxation, helping us sleep better.

The study also found that only five percent of those women said their doctor had discussed masturbation as a symptom management strategy. “There’s no reason why masturbation should remain a secret in menopause care” says Verena Singmann, PR manager at Womanizer. “Women have a right to know all of their options for managing the challenges of menopause, and we’re here to break the silence around masturbation as an effective and empowering choice.”

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