A recent study published in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy suggests that orgasms, specifically those achieved through masturbation with sex toys, help alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause. The research provides evidence that sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and mental well-being all play interacting roles in how people experience this biological transition. The findings hint that individuals in non-monogamous relationships or those who date younger partners tend to experience fewer menopausal difficulties overall. The authors of the new research wanted to better understand how relationship styles and sexual behaviors influence the often challenging symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, which is the exact point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for a full year. During this transition, the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts that cause an array of side effects, including night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and emotional changes. “Little research focuses on menopause and sex other than the constant reminder that sex diminishes with age,” said Samantha Banbury, a psychology …