Recent headlines suggested the totally free home treatment known as masturbation could alleviate menopause symptoms. We examine and discuss the study that sparked all the excitement.

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com

Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.

References:

Lehmiller, Justin J. PhD; Graham, Cynthia A. PhD; Ferrall, Louise BS; Mendelson, Emily A. MA; Prine, Merissa S. MS. The role of masturbation in relieving symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause 33(4):p 384-394, April 2026. DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002675 https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2026/04000/the_role_of_masturbation_in_relieving_symptoms.4.aspx

Heinemann K, Ruebig A, Potthoff P, Schneider HP, Strelow F, Heinemann LA, Do MT. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) scale: a methodological review. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2004 Sep 2;2:45. DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-2-45. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC516787/