A new study published in the journal Menopause has identified a simple and free tool that may help relieve common menopause symptoms: self-pleasure. Researchers from the Kinsey Institute surveyed about 1,200 women aged 40 to 65 across the United States about their menopause experiences and symptom management strategies.
The study found that women who regularly masturbated during perimenopause reported relief from mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. Despite these benefits, only about 14 percent of women said they used masturbation as part of their symptom management plan. Even fewer, about one in ten, had ever heard about it from their doctors.
Participants rated the effectiveness of various strategies on a scale of one to five. Masturbation scored an average of 4.35 out of five for symptom relief. That rating was higher than hormone therapy, which scored 4.2, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet, which scored below 4.0. Nearly half of perimenopausal women said self-pleasure improved at least one symptom, especially mood and sleep.
The researchers explained 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. There is also a physical benefit: arousal increases blood flow to vaginal tissue, which can help maintain elasticity and lubrication as estrogen levels decline.
Only 7 percent of women said their doctor had ever mentioned masturbation as part of menopause care. The researchers noted that this gap reflects a larger issue in women’s health care: a persistent taboo around discussing female pleasure. The topic is still under-taught in medical training and under-discussed in clinical settings.
The study also found a generational shift. Perimenopausal women were 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 researchers emphasized that menopause management is not one-size-fits-all. Hormone therapy, nutrition, exercise, and supplements each have their place. Self-pleasure is not about replacing medical care but about broadening the conversation around what holistic, evidence-based menopause support can look like.
