Decreased Libido After Menopause

What is menopause?

Going through “the change of life” or menopause is enough to fill any woman with anxiety.  From all the negative information we read, most of us ladies will wonder just what is in store for us as we begin the next phase of our life.  Low libido before, during and after menopause is one of the side effects of menopause a lot of women deal with-but there is hope!

Generally, a woman’s sex drive will decrease as she ages, but one of the main reasons why is because of menopause.

Menopausal and postmenopausal women may note it is not easy to become aroused and it can cause a decreased interest in sex.

What are some common symptoms of menopause?

During the transition into menopause, the physical symptoms of decreasing estrogen levels can include vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings and decreased libido.  Although not directly attributed to menopause, age related testosterone decrease can reduce a woman’s sex drive and sensation.  The exact role testosterone plays is complicated, because lowered libido has not been shown to be related to testosterone levels.  

How is low libido defined?

A woman’s sexual desire can naturally fluctuate throughout her life and it usually coincides with major changes.  When a woman has a persistent or recurrent lack of sexual desire and it is causing distress, she may want to seek medical treatment.  If you are bothered by a low sex drive or decreased libido, there are many lifestyle changes and sexual techniques which can put you back in the mood.  Some medications may offer promise as well, but you need to consult with your gynecologist or general practitioner for further information.

What can be done to treat vaginal dryness during menopause?

When a woman goes through menopause, she may notice she now suffers from vaginal dryness.  Vaginal dryness during menopause can be alleviated using water-soluble lubricants, which can make sexual intercourse more enjoyable.  A woman should not use non-water soluble lubricants, because it may lead bacteria growth.  There are many over-the-counter moisturizers that can be used on a frequent basis to help maintain vaginal moisture levels.   It is also possible to speak to your physician about vaginal estrogen therapy or medications which can be used to make vaginal tissue thicker and less fragile.

For many women, going through menopause can be a life freeing experience, but for others it can be annoying and frustrating.  A declining libido does not have to affect a woman’s overall quality of life, nor does it have to have a negative impact on her sexuality.  

See Also: Menopause - Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

In some situations, women can lose sexual desire and it can result in causing relationship issues with their partner.  If you have a pattern of avoiding sex, have little to no desire to engage in physical intimacy and do not initiate sex, it may be time to think about visiting your doctor to find out why.

How Can A Woman Increase Her Sex Drive During And After Menopause?

The number of potential sexual problems during menopause can be simply overwhelming.  However, there are just as many strategies and treatments available to help a woman overcome these issues and regain her sex drive.  

Rarely does one problem have a single solution and most often treating sexual dysfunction issues requires a comprehensive approach.

Making some healthy changes to one’s lifestyle can make a huge difference in the desire for sex.  The following things can be beneficial and boost your sex life:

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption because it can blunt sexual desire.
• Quit smoking (if you do) because it restricts blood flow throughout the body and less blood to the sexual organs could result in decreased sexual arousal and orgasmic response.
• Get regular exercise because it will increase your stamina, boost your body image and elevate your mood.
• Get rid of stress and find a better way of coping with work, personal and financial stress.
• Communicate with your partner in an honest way, because it will help you maintain a stronger emotional connection.
• Make time for leisure and relaxation, because it will allow you to wind down and focus on your sexual desire and it can help you attain a more satisfying arousal and orgasm.
• Become experimental with your sexuality.  Couples often become bored and it can result in loss of libido.  You can try some different positions, using sex toys and engaging in extra foreplay to help each other relax.

Can hormone replacement therapy help increase a menopausal woman’s libido?   

About 40% of women experience sexual dysfunction during midlife, with decreased libido being the most common occurrence.  Around half of all menopausal women report having a decrease in sexual desire in comparison to a quarter of all premenopausal women.  The ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 50% of the testosterone circulating in a woman’s body, the other half comes from the ovaries.  Testosterone production is lower during menopause and it can lead to a decreased libido.

There has been a long debate on the use of oral contraceptive pills on libido.  Physically, oral contraceptives will lead to a decrease in ovarian androgen production.  In theory, the decrease in free testosterone could lower libido.  However, more study is needed, to determine whether or not using oral contraceptives can increase the libido in a menopausal woman.

See Also: Contraceptive Options For Women Approaching The Menopause

Prognosis

Though it can be frustrating and troubling to lose your libido during menopause, it does not have to ruin your sex life and cause relationship issues with your partner.  When a woman is dealing with a low libido during menopause, there are many home remedies, lifestyle modifications and medical treatments to consider, which can be extremely helpful.  If you are going through menopause and suffering from low libido, you should not let the issue go on without consulting with your gynecologist to see what kinds of options you have available.