The loss of estrogen after menopause can lead to changes in a woman’s sex drive. The emotional changes that often accompany menopause can also add to a woman’s loss of interest in sex.
Luckily there is no reason for diminished sex drive to become permanent. Women can get back their sex drive after menopause.
Before menopause, women’s sex drives peaked just before and after ovulation. But when menstruation stops, estrogen dips, and those revved-up days are gone. Menopausal women may also respond less to touch and find sexual arousal harder. Less estrogen also means less blood flow to the vagina, and more dryness.
Try over-the-counter water-based lubricants. Or consider vaginal estrogen preparations. These can return the vaginal tissue to its premenopausal state, which is more elastic and less dry.
One of the best ways to rev up your libido is to exercise more. Get enough sleep and avoid harmful substances such as nicotine and alcohol.
The symptoms of menopause itself -- insomnia, hot flashes and depression -- also contribute to libido decline.
Women may also blame menopause for a low sex drive when other health problems are the real cause. Common culprits include bladder problems, underactive thyroid and iron-deficiency anemia.
Get an overall medical checkup and while you’re at it, get your hormone levels checked too, said Dr.Northrup.com. Androgens are the hormones associated with libido. However, declining levels of estradiol can also affect a woman’s potential for sexual arousal.
Dr.Northrup.com also suggested progesterone cream. As a precursor to estrogen and testosterone, progesterone is important in maintaining sufficiently high levels of the other hormones for optimal sexual pleasure.
Consider testosterone. Oprah.com warned however, that the FDA has not approved any medications for this use in women. Patients often get the testosterone from compounding pharmacies or use medications designed for men in lower doses.
One side effect of some commonly prescribed medications like antidepressants and beta-blockers is decreased sex drive. Talk to a doctor about alternatives if you’re taking any of these types of medications.
Talking with a health professional, either alone or with your partner, can also help increase menopausal low libido for some women.
Stress levels at this time of life can be very high and also result in a lack of interest or sexual desire. Metabolism slows 10-15 percent at this time of life as well, and the resulting weight gain and lack of energy can make sex the last thing on a woman's mind, compounding the decrease in libido.
Get into the right mind-set for you alone. This may mean exercising, getting a good night's sleep or making time for intimacy.
Sources:
"A Woman's Guide to Reviving Sex Drive." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/menopause-and-sex-13/sex-drive-and-menopause?ecd=wnl_wmh_042414&ctr=wnl-wmh-042414_hdln_1&mb=C%2fYVyrWOVL64LDSJkCJon%40HnVev1imbCSJlfC%2fY9Tk4%3d
"Cleveland Clinic - Sex and Menopause." Cleveland Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/menopause/hic_sex_and_menopause.aspx
Emling, Shelley. "Boost Libido: 7 Natural Ways To Kickstart Your Sex Drive." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 18 June 2013. Web. 8 May 2014.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/18/boost-libido_n_3454936.html
Jio, Sarah. "The Truth about Sex after Menopause." Woman's Day. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
http://www.womansday.com/sex-relationships/sex-tips/the-truth-about-sex-after-menopause-99603
"Sexuality in Menopause - Health Conditions & Advice - Dr. Christiane Northrup." Sexuality in Menopause - Health Conditions & Advice - Dr. Christiane Northrup. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
http://www.drnorthrup.com/womenshealth/healthcenter/topic_details.php?topic_id=70
"The Mommy Docs' Guide to a Better Sex Life After Menopause." Oprah.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
http://www.oprah.com/health/The-Mommy-Docs-Guide-to-a-Better-Sex-Life-After-Menopause
"Tips for a Great Sex Life after Menopause - myVMC." myVMC. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
http://www.myvmc.com/lifestyles/tips-for-a-great-sex-life-after-menopause
Reviewed May 9, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith