Local vaginal oestrogen

Improves blood flow and tissue thickness, which reduces pain and makes arousal and orgasm physically easier to access without needing to touch systemic hormones. It focuses more on resolving direct GSM symptoms.

Testosterone

Has been shown to support desire, arousal, blood flow, orgasm frequency, and overall satisfaction. Is this a direct or indirect response? Not conclusive…but if it helps you personally and doesn’t have side effects, does it matter?

Melatonin

Somewhat surprisingly, has shown benefits for sexual function post-menopause. Largely by improving sleep and mood, both of which are the basis to a functioning libido. Turns out being exhausted and anxious is not an aphrodisiac…

With a partner: Oral Sex

Don’t skip past this one. Research on older couples found a meaningful share were still having it regularly, and that receiving it was linked to higher rates of orgasm and greater relationship closeness. Couples with more relationship support and less strain gave it to each other more often, which tells you this isn’t just a technique fix, it’s a gauge for the relationship itself.

On your own: Self-pleasure

This is not a consolation prize while you wait for hormones to sort themselves out. It’s one of the most direct ways to actively rebuild orgasmic function. Regular solo play keeps you in tune with what’s changed in your own body, rebuilds the neural pathway between arousal and release, and takes the pressure off “performing” for someone else while you’re readjusting. If your body’s responses have shifted, you’re the only person who can re-map the best.

Novelty and adventure

 Whether that’s solo or with a partner, actively prioritising sexual health rather than letting it go dormant is what moves the needle. New sensations, context, toys, and fantasies. Anything that breaks the autopilot pattern reintroduces the kind of arousal and anticipation that gets harder to generate on repetition alone. Predictability is efficient. It is not, unfortunately, orgasmic.