Issues addressed include the impact of hormones on mood and mental health; how hormonal changes can affect sexual response and interest; and how relationships can be impacted. You will learn the range of treatment options available, with an understanding of the risks and benefits of these. The impact of menopause on individuals who have experienced IVF and subfertility will also be explored.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Develop an understanding of the physiological, emotional, and psychological changes during and after menopause that can affect intimacy.
- Explore how menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and hormonal fluctuations, impact sexual desire and satisfaction.
- Learn strategies to support service users in communicating openly about their needs and concerns.
- Gain insights into addressing body image changes and boosting self-esteem during this life stage.
- Discover approaches to help service users navigate relational dynamics and maintain emotional and physical intimacy.
- Explore the role of therapy in supporting and enhancing intimacy post-menopause.
Schedule:
Part 1
- Hormonal changes: what is happening in perimenopause and menopause?
- What is the role of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone in our bodies and brains?
- Are some of us more vulnerable to challenge at this life stage? The impact of trauma, neurodivergence and premenstrual disorders on how we navigate perimenopause.
- How perimenopausal mental health can impact work, sleep, and relationships. A deeper dive on how fatigue, brain fog and mood changes can strain professional and personal relationships.
- What about sex? Understanding the physical effects of menopause on sexual response and interest, including vaginal & vulval changes, reduced lubrication and painful sex.
- Strategies for maintaining intimacy and connection – including communication approaches and therapeutic interventions.
Part 2
- Understanding the evidence: many women receive out of date or inappropriate advice about menopausal treatments – this means having a broad understanding of who can and who can’t seek HRT can help therapists to guide their Service Users to seek help.
- Practical guidance around what might help – HRT, topical oestrogens, lubricants, moisturisers and toys/aids, and psychosexual interventions.
- An overview of the hormonal and non-hormonal interventions, focussed on impact on mental health and relationship implications
- Addressing concerns about antidepressants, progesterone sensitivity and other prescribing challenges (i.e. cancer induced menopause, surgical menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency).
Part 3
- The emotional and relational complexity of IVF when perimenopausal or having been through early menopause (including an overview of options available for these individuals)
- Addressing feelings of urgency, grief or loss when fertility options become limited. How this can impact on relationship satisfaction and sexual desire.
- Exploring the psychological impact of IVF failure or success in the later reproductive years and how this may impact partner dynamics or intimacy
- Strategies for psychosexual therapists in navigating these challenges including grief counselling, sexual wellness advice and relational communication tools.
About the Trainer
Dr Angela Wright is a GP, BMS Accredited Menopause Specialist and Clinical Sexologist. She trained in Clinical Sexology with the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology and went on to complete the ESSM Advanced School of Sexual Medicine and become a Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine. She is a BSSM Committee Member and the current FSRH Menopause Guardian.
Angela divides her time between NHS work, private practice and teaching. She is trained in Palliative Medicine and is actively involved in improving access to support around cancer induced menopause and the impact on intimacy within the voluntary sector.
This teaching will provide a holistic view of menopause and how the biological changes taking place can impact mood, sexual function and identity. The current media focus on menopause has made the landscape seem confusing to many – we will examine the evidence base and guidelines that underpin a holistic, biospsychosocial approach to supporting clients at this stage and leave you feeling more confident in navigating this subject.
