Effect Of Menopause On Sex Drive

Menopause simply means when a woman stops having her monthly period permanently, this can cause physical and emotional changes that could affect her life, sexual life inclusive. While on the other hand libido refers to sex interest and sexual enjoyment.

Effect Of Menopause On Sex Drive

Menopause brings itself a host of problems like sweaty hot flashes, fatigue, weak bone, anxiety, bladder control issues, low libido, depression, difficulty sleeping, thinning hair, weight gain, mood swings and can set you off the edge as each of these effects actually impacts a woman’s quality of life and relationship with her spouse although these causes can vary from one woman to another.

Sexual issues are very rampant in postmenopausal females, thus suggesting that menopause can reduce sex drive. Low libido is most times caused by decreased estrogen levels which can dampen arousal, making the whole sex experience less sensitive to sexual stimulation and painful. As such a woman may not enjoy sex talk less of achieving orgasm. Having fluctuating hormone during this period can also affect a woman’s mental health which in reality might reduce her sex drive.

A woman’s sex drive can be hampered by stress, as she juggles parenting, her job and caring for aging family because the changes she experience during menopause can make her irritable or depressed thus dealing with everyday stress may feel very difficult. According to an article published in the Journal of Women’s Health, women who have more significant side effects associated with menopause are more likely to report lower libido levels.

There are also other factors that may make a woman going through this stage more likely to experience a reduced libido, these include history of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and also having history of smoking. A lady should be able to have a conversation with her personal doctor about how these conditions could affect her drive.

After menopause, love making does not have to be a distant memory. Here is how you can boost your sex drive. These can be in form of medical treatments, lifestyle changes and home remedies. A lady may wish to consider estrogen therapy when her vaginal tissue starts thinning and drying. Prescription estrogen can be applied directly to the vagina in the form of creams, pills or vaginal rings which contain lower doses of estrogen than your normal contraceptives. 

Few ladies might wish to take estrogen pills that contain higher levels of hormones, this type of treatment is known as hormone replacement therapy which help reduce symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes but may have some side effects hence it is important you have a talk with your doctor before embarking on this therapy. You may also choose to see a sex therapist that specializes in sexual dysfunction or enhancing sex, it is advisable you attend the therapy with your partner.

Quite a number of women could benefit from water soluble lubricants during intercourse, this is readily available over the counter in most drug stores, while non water soluble and silicone based lubricants as these can break down condoms used to protect sexually transmitted infections. Increasing your physical activity such as exercising for thirty minutes on a daily basis can help to reduce menopause related symptoms including low libido and eating a very healthy diet might enhance a person’s overall sense of well being.

Change your sexual habits by spending extended periods on foreplay, use vibrators or other sex toys to spice an intimacy and engage in sexual activity without the goal of orgasm. Most women prefer to use natural supplements to increase their libido, as such it is fundamental to remember that the Food Drug Administration do not regulate herbs and supplements, so you should choose a reputable brand, some of which are black cohosh, red clover and soy. So be sure to discuss these home remedies with your physician before using to ensure they will not interact negatively with other prescriptions and supplements you may be taking. Soy contains estrogen so it can react with other estrogen therapies. Though some postmenopausal women do experience low sex drive in menopause others said they got

improved sex drive and their libido heightened, this could be due to reduced stresses over fear of pregnancy and fewer child rearing responsibilities, hence allowing them to relax and enjoy intimacy with their spouses.

If your libido as a woman is affecting your sex life, then it is time for that conversation with your doctor for medications that could aid the quality of your life.