Better orgasms: How hormones can improve your sex life

It won’t surprise you to learn that how to have better orgasms through hormonal health is an extremely popular topic on the interwebs. You might be surprised to learn, though, that it’s actually possible. Here’s how a bit of hormone tweaking can take your climax to the next level.

The Big O

The science behind an orgasm is a complex thing. And it definitely involves a not-so-subtle interplay between physical and psychological factors. As you probably already know, the psychological aspect is huge. Feeling present and relaxed is key. And trust in your partner also plays an essential role, unless of course you’re flying solo and using toys! So, now that we’ve established a great starting point for an orgasm, what about your orgasm and hormones? Let’s get into it.

Sex on the brain

The exact mechanisms of the orgasm in the brain are still, well, a little bit of a mystery. Current thinking is that it involves the activation of our old friend, the Hypothalamus, along with your Amygdala. Regular Hormonas will know that the Hypothalamus controls your Endocrine system, among other things, so it’s in charge of lots of hormones. And your Amygdala controls how safe you feel, so in partnership, they’re incredibly powerful.

Feeling turned on triggers the release of feel-good hormones, including Oxytocin and Dopamine. And as you get more and more aroused, nerve impulses from the vagina travel to the brain. This can trigger a series of very pleasurable sensations, culminating in orgasm.

Better orgasms through hormonal health: it’s a holistic thing

Low levels of female sex hormones have been linked with low sex drive, as well as vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. And what are female sex hormones? Simply put, Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone. This last one may come as a bit of a surprise, since we tend to associate Testosterone with men. But Testosterone, by way of enhancing the effect of Estrogen, can increase sexual desire in women, although the why and how is still something of a mystery.

Menopause, stress, anxiety, and unbalanced nutrition can all cause changes in hormone levels, which can affect your libido as well as your levels of comfort and pleasure. The key takeaway here is that your hormones work synergistically together.

It’s all about balance. By paying attention to diet, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing you can manage your hormone health from every angle. And the best bit? By zooming in on how to have better orgasms through hormonal health, you’ll also be fine-tuning your health and wellbeing across the board. Result.  

Hormones and better orgasms: The magic formula

Once you’re aroused, Oxytocin and Dopamine are at the front of the hormone queue, increasing your enjoyment along with blood flow to your vagina. This, in turn, leads to vaginal lubrication, for easier penetration. The nerves in your vagina and pelvis then send signals to your brain, through hormones like our friend Dopamine, and that helps trigger a cascade effect of other reactions in the body during the build-up to climax.

They include increased heart rate, muscle tension — the good kind — along with that all-important blood flow, and vaginal lubrication. Once you’re aroused enough, and remember, this can happen before or after penetration, you start experiencing the “plateau phase”. Which is when your muscles contract rhythmically and you likely reach your highest point of pleasure. Otherwise known as an orgasm.

So what can you do to enhance our orgasm-inducing hormone buddies? One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost Oxytocin is through touch. Whether that’s someone else or yourself is entirely up to you. And that includes hugs, massage, and hand-holding as much as it does the sexy stuff.

As for Dopamine? Getting outside in nature, exercising, and working towards a balanced diet can all help your Dopamine levels. But there is another way to supercharge this feel-good hormone: Having more sex! As it’s one of the hormones released during arousal, regular sex can mean regular dopamine increases. 

Hormones can support orgasms during and after Menopause

If hormone fluctuations during Perimenopause and beyond cause your libido to take a nosedive, HRT can help. Evidence suggests that Hormone Replacement can increase sexual interest and arousal, and even improve orgasmic function. One study found that Postmenopausal women taking Estrogen reported having more frequent orgasms than those not taking hormones. In fact, they were able to achieve these orgasms faster than before starting treatment! Now there’s something to look forward to. 

Hormone health, orgasms and you

Want more savvy hacks to balance your overall hormone health for more va-va-voom in the bedroom? Here are some of our faves: 

• Stress less. Stress is a major factor in reduced libido and orgasmic pleasure. Meditation and yoga are great ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Short on time? Simply stop what you’re doing for a few moments and breathe. Connecting to our breath helps us feel more present, calm, and aware.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise increases blood flow throughout your body — including your clitoris and vagina! It also helps you sleep better at night. And as every exhausted parent will attest, if you’re not sleeping, you’re not having sex. Sleep is golden when it comes to a healthy sex life.
• Eat well. Diet and nutrition play a key role in overall health and wellness, which directly affects the quality of your orgasms. Reach for foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. A fiber-rich diet helps to regulate digestion, which in turn helps keep hormones balanced. If your hormones fluctuate too much from day to day or month to month, it could make it harder for you to reach orgasm.
• Lose the booze. Alcohol consumption is known for causing dehydration. This can make you less, ahem, juicy everywhere, which will make sex less enjoyable. And as a depressant, alcohol plays havoc with your hormone balance. Cutting down could make all the difference.
• Use the Hormona app. If you’re new to the practice of balancing your hormones, try using the Hormona app. Our incredible tool can help you track and record your cycle and symptoms — and your sex life. Enjoy, and remember to always play safe!

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