Thank you for your kind words! There are so many unqualified influencers peddling medical advice, I feel like I have a social responsibility as a licensed professional to contribute something of value.
Loved it! Indeed there is not enough talks about healthy sexual life for women after menopause.
I have just discovered last night during a spell of insomnia (another issue accompanying menopause, which deeply affects the energy level and productivity during the day, and which is not talked much about) that my interest in looking feminine decreased as well, as I don't want men eyes on me. My brain offered me the thought that when libido is low, one should not attract any attention.
What a weird thought! Anyone else thinking the same?
The insomnia is real and so frustrating! Lack of sleep can have profound effects on mood and overall quality of life.
I’ve also found myself preferring to be invisible. Mostly as a result of the ambient misogyny that’s surfaced since early November. I feel safer in spaces that are largely occupied by women.
That's sad...it is bad enough to feel that way as a consequence of the hormonal changes, but wishing to be invisible to stay safe in a mysogynist environment, is worse.
I like to think that humanity often takes two steps back to rebound and make a greater and lasting leap forward. Cross my fingers that this is one of those time.
Absolutely. I am a librarian/tech specialist in a Texas High school. Our kids are learning by doing. lol I learned by trial and error. At 63 I’m still very active and, like you, intrigued by sex and sexuality. I’ve become more open minded as I’ve aged and explored new things. I wish I had done this younger.
Thanks Doc! You do a useful public service writing, in a not too technical way, a summary of current medical understanding. There are, of course, strong psycho-social contributions to feelings of arousal, satisfaction, or the absence of any of that (puritanical attitudes, rape trauma, the ‘ambient misogyny’ you mention, etc). Just wanted to tap out a note of appreciation for your efforts!
Thanks for the podcast this am! Sorry about your medical challenges-my best to you! I had to log out before you 2 fished but liked hearing what you guys had to say. I feel very fortunate to be married to a retired naval officer. Because of her, we basically have paid no Dr or hospital copays:)! We are very comfortable:)!
Thank you for your insightful deep dive into the subject. I'm always amazed when practicing physicians find time to write extensively on a variety of subjects. More power to you!
I remember reading Helen Singer Kaplan's "The New Sex Therapy" (1975) with its desire-arousal-orgasm paradigm. She called for establishing a profession of "sexual surrogate" who would provide structured behavioral experiences under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Of course our puritanical culture/politicians just viewed that as prostitution and never approved the required licensing legislation.
You’re referring to surrogate partner therapy. It’s a cottage industry but there are some organizations that are doing credentialing and oversight of these professionals.
I have a friend who’s a surrogate partner. I’m planning to do an interview with him and will be posting it here in January.
Gratitude for your writing and sharing important information about our bodies and health.
Thank you for your kind words! There are so many unqualified influencers peddling medical advice, I feel like I have a social responsibility as a licensed professional to contribute something of value.
Loved it! Indeed there is not enough talks about healthy sexual life for women after menopause.
I have just discovered last night during a spell of insomnia (another issue accompanying menopause, which deeply affects the energy level and productivity during the day, and which is not talked much about) that my interest in looking feminine decreased as well, as I don't want men eyes on me. My brain offered me the thought that when libido is low, one should not attract any attention.
What a weird thought! Anyone else thinking the same?
Looking forward to read more!
The insomnia is real and so frustrating! Lack of sleep can have profound effects on mood and overall quality of life.
I’ve also found myself preferring to be invisible. Mostly as a result of the ambient misogyny that’s surfaced since early November. I feel safer in spaces that are largely occupied by women.
That's sad...it is bad enough to feel that way as a consequence of the hormonal changes, but wishing to be invisible to stay safe in a mysogynist environment, is worse.
I like to think that humanity often takes two steps back to rebound and make a greater and lasting leap forward. Cross my fingers that this is one of those time.
Great in for from a medical perspective!
Thank you! I wish they had taught me this stuff in medical school. Our sexual health education is abysmal at every level.
Absolutely. I am a librarian/tech specialist in a Texas High school. Our kids are learning by doing. lol I learned by trial and error. At 63 I’m still very active and, like you, intrigued by sex and sexuality. I’ve become more open minded as I’ve aged and explored new things. I wish I had done this younger.
Thanks Doc! You do a useful public service writing, in a not too technical way, a summary of current medical understanding. There are, of course, strong psycho-social contributions to feelings of arousal, satisfaction, or the absence of any of that (puritanical attitudes, rape trauma, the ‘ambient misogyny’ you mention, etc). Just wanted to tap out a note of appreciation for your efforts!
Thanks for the podcast this am! Sorry about your medical challenges-my best to you! I had to log out before you 2 fished but liked hearing what you guys had to say. I feel very fortunate to be married to a retired naval officer. Because of her, we basically have paid no Dr or hospital copays:)! We are very comfortable:)!
Glad you enjoyed the conversation! I’m planning some more interesting interviews to roll out in January.
Thank you for your insightful deep dive into the subject. I'm always amazed when practicing physicians find time to write extensively on a variety of subjects. More power to you!
Thank you! Writing about sex gives me a break from thinking about how cruel and obscene the US healthcare system is.
I hear you, sister. Stay strong! You are a shining light in the vast darkness of a greedy and corrupt system.
I enjoyed reading this article. You are an impressive writer. You do what Steven King does for me, with less gore.
I am a member of the VVA. The VietNam Veterans of America.
And then I saw ‘VVA’ in the article and chuckled.
Thanks again Dr. Hull.
I have a personal issue with libido and the limbic system. I donor know if this medium will be open to the antechdot
That’s a fantastic compliment!
I read Stephen King’s memoir “On Writing” early this year and continue to draw inspiration from his life and process of writing.
This is good material for your part 2:
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sexual-side-effects-hormones-and-other-drugs-2024a1000l72
I remember reading Helen Singer Kaplan's "The New Sex Therapy" (1975) with its desire-arousal-orgasm paradigm. She called for establishing a profession of "sexual surrogate" who would provide structured behavioral experiences under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Of course our puritanical culture/politicians just viewed that as prostitution and never approved the required licensing legislation.
You’re referring to surrogate partner therapy. It’s a cottage industry but there are some organizations that are doing credentialing and oversight of these professionals.
I have a friend who’s a surrogate partner. I’m planning to do an interview with him and will be posting it here in January.
Good to hear there's some progress with that. It's an important element of a comprehensive Rx model.