Menopause is the end of fertility, not the end of sexuality

When we think about menopause, the same words often come to mind: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido. It seems like sexuality is inevitably headed for decline. But what if what's ending isn't sexuality itself, but a specific way of understanding it?

For many years, we've lived a sexuality heavily marked by reproduction, intercourse, performance, and too often, by the idea of satisfying the other before ourselves. Menopause involves hormonal changes, yes. The body changes, sexual response changes too, and discomforts may arise that need attention because they aren't "what's expected" – even while understanding that there are as many menopauses as there are people. But reducing this stage solely to difficulties is only telling part of the story.  

This is why I'd like to propose a paradigm shift, and for us to view menopause as an opportunity, not a loss. Because, at this stage, for the first time, many women ask themselves: what do I like? Not what is expected of me, nor what I should desire, but what truly gives me pleasure. Sexuality ceases to be an obligation or a demonstration and becomes a choice.

It's possible that desire may no longer appear spontaneously as it did in our twenties. Perhaps now it needs more calm, more connection, more context. But this doesn't mean it's any less intense or less satisfying.

Menopause is the end of fertility, but not the end of pleasure. In fact, for many people, it's the beginning of a freer, more conscious, and above all, more personal sexuality.