Because giving estrogen alone increases the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus, it is given with another hormone, progestin, which protects against this cancer. It is not clear how long a woman should take hormone replacement therapy or how long there is a benefit. For most women in their 50s or 60s, hormone replacement therapy offers benefits that they should seriously consider, but later in life the benefits may be outweighed by potential risks. Sexuality Women over the age of 70 years can and often do remain sexually active. The major cause of lack of sexual activity in older women is the lack of a male partner.
Older women are able to experience sexual feelings and orgasm.
Sexual responsiveness and desire may be affected in both sexes by depression, medical illness, or medications. After menopause there is less lubrication in the vagina and the walls of the vagina become thinner and dryer. This can cause pain during intercourse. Estrogen can be effective in alleviating this problem whether it is taken by mouth in pill form or placed in the vagina as a cream or suppository. Older couples should feel free to express their sexuality in ways that bring them pleasure.