Dear Dr G,My husband and I are both 56 years old and we have been married for nearly 28 years.We have two grown-up children who have recently graduated and are now working abroad.I am missing the good old days when I have to care for them.I was hoping this would be an opportunity for us to enjoy having the house to ourselves and to “enjoy each other beyond the bedroom.”I was led to believe that after menopause, I would suffer from all those horrible symptoms and a diminishing sex drive.On the contrary, my sexual desire has become so intense that my poor husband finds it difficult to keep up, and he thinks I am completely abnormal.My husband thinks something is not quite right with me and I ought to see the doctor.He thinks I have testosterone overdrive.In fact, I read somewhere it is not unusual for women to have a heightened sex drive following menopause.Having no risk of pregnancy and the carefree nature of the relationship are often cited as reasons for increased sexual desire in women.However, I actually think something might be wrong with my husband instead.On that note, I would like to ask Dr G for some clarification on the correlation between testosterone levels and sex.How does testosterone affect sexual activities in both men and women?How does low testosterone affect men’s sexual performance?Can this lead to my husband being sexually disinterested?Finally, how often do couples have sex as we get older.Yours truly,Wife of Testosterone Tom Testosterone is produced primarily in men’s testicles and women’s ovaries. This hormone plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including muscle and bone growth, mood regulation, and of course, sexual desire. Testosterone has a direct impact on sexual desire, as it influences appetite for sexual activity. Past research on hormones and female sexuality has tended to focus solely on aspects of reproduction. In men, the focus has been on their role in the ability to perform sexually such as to achieve an erection. Although this male sex hormone is perceived to fuel both our libido and sexual performance, its impact on sexual performance is slightly more complex. On one hand, low testosterone levels can potentially lead to symptoms like erectile dysfunction or difficulties achieving orgasm. On the other hand, high testosterone levels cannot guarantee peak performance in the bedroom, as other factors such as emotional connection, stress levels, and overall physical health are also crucial. As men get older, the declining testosterone will have a dampening impact on a man’s libido. While testosterone gets less attention in women, the smaller amounts of testosterone remains a key factor in boosting libido, arousal, and sexual satisfaction. Adequate testosterone levels contribute to better sexual well-being for women, just as they do for men. Testosterone levels appear to be significantly linked with both the type of intimate relationships men and women engage in and their sexual behaviour, according to new research published by London School Of Hygiene in Journal of Sex Research. The frequency of sex is influenced by physical health, psychosocial well-being and cultural upbringing. These include lifestyle choices, chronic illnesses, stress, medication, and even sleep patterns. On the other hand, the frequency of sexual intercourse is also influenced by many other aspects, including emotional connection, relationship dynamics, and personal preferences. The Kinsey Reports were published in two main volumes by Alfred Kinsey and his colleagues at Indiana University’s Institute for Sexual Behaviour. The first volume, “Sexual Behaviour in the Human Male,” was released in 1948, followed by “Sexual Behaviour in the Human Female” in 1953. These reports include findings on the sexual frequency of older couples, based on survey data that breaks down marital sexual frequency by age, including individuals in their 50s, 60s, and sometimes older. Observations showed that while the frequency of sexual activity declined with age, it did not disappear entirely in later life. For instance, about 57% of couples aged 65 to 69 remained sexually active, and 27% of those aged 75 and older reported engaging in sex. In more recent years, the Asia-Pacific Sexual Health and Overall Wellness (AP SHOW) survey had broader insights into sexual health and overall wellness across the Asia-Pacific region. The study was conducted across 13 Asia-Pacific countries/regions among adults aged 25–74 who had been sexually active in the past year. AP SHOW survey examined frequency of sexual intercourse amongst couples. The study, which included Malaysian participants, revealed that many couples in the Asia-Pacific region prioritised career, financial well-being, physical health, and family life well above their sexual relationships. In countries such as China and Hong Kong, the frequency of sexual intercourse can be as low as five times per month. While in countries such as India and Philippines, the frequency of intercourse can be as high as four times per week. In Malaysia, participants reported engaging in intercourse about eight times per month for those under forty years old, and six times per month for those over that age. Correlation of testosterone and sexual performance should be approached with a holistic mindset. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and getting enough restful sleep are essential for supporting optimal testosterone levels. Prioritising overall health and well-being, maintaining open communication with partners are more important to contributing to a more fulfilling sexual experience.
