A new study published in the journal Menopause suggests that self-pleasure may offer meaningful 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 ages 40 and 65 across the United States about their menopause experiences and the strategies they use to manage symptoms.
Participants reported using a range of methods, from lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet adjustments to supplements, hormone therapy, and sexual self-care. While 25% of women said they exercised and 21% adjusted their diet, only 14% said they used masturbation as part of their symptom management plan. Despite being one of the least-used approaches, masturbation scored among the highest for symptom relief, with an average effectiveness rating of 4.35 out of 5. That rating was higher than hormone therapy, which scored 4.2, and above lifestyle changes, which scored below 4.0.
Nearly half of perimenopausal women reported that self-pleasure improved at least one symptom, especially mood and sleep. The researchers noted that orgasms trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, chemicals that help ease pain and promote relaxation. This combination can support better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved mood stability, all areas that often suffer during the menopause transition. Arousal also increases blood flow to vaginal tissue, which can help maintain elasticity and lubrication 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 was discussed, pleasure and sexual wellness were largely left out of the conversation. The researchers pointed to a persistent taboo around female pleasure in medical settings, noting that the topic remains under-taught in medical training and under-discussed in clinical practice.
There was evidence of a generational shift. Perimenopausal women showed more openness to trying masturbation for symptom relief than older postmenopausal women. Two-thirds of all participants said they would consider using it more often if they knew it could help. For many women, menopause involves a cycle of trial and error in search of relief, and the study suggests that a free and accessible option has been overlooked.
The findings do not suggest replacing medical care with self-pleasure, but rather broadening the conversation around holistic menopause support. Hormone therapy, nutrition, exercise, and supplements each have a role, and the research indicates that self-pleasure may also be a valuable tool. The study was published in the journal Menopause and conducted by researchers at the Kinsey Institute.
