Low Libido – Is Menopause the Cause?
By Speaking of Women's Health on February 10, 2012
During and after menopause women can experience a low libido. Learn tips on how to boost your libido and spice up your love life
It is common for women to experience a low libido at some point in their lives and while hormones are not always to blame, they can play a big role. Menopause can introduce physical changes that interrupt a happy sex life due to the loss of estrogen. For some women the loss of estrogen can result in the vagina shrinking by 80%. Loss of estrogen can also wreck havoc on your genitals and thus your sex life. Menopausal women might also experience:
- Thinning of the vaginal tissue
- Slower or absent sexual arousal
- Less lubrication during sex
- Sensitive skin in the vaginal area
- Painful intercourse leading to inability to be sexually active
In addition, women who undergo hysterectomies experience a dramatic decrease in estrogen as well as lose up to half of their testosterone (the other important female, yes that’s right, female sex hormone), which intensifies female sexual dysfunction. The good news is there is help! No woman should suffer with a painful, dry, unresponsive vagina and vulva (the external female genitalia which includes the labia, the opening of the vagina and clitoris, frequently a sensitive and erogenous zone).
Postmenopause and Libido Loss
Painful postmenopausal sex doesn’t have to be a part of getting older. However, women do need to realize that the biologic purpose of the sex drive is to procreate, and once one is done having babies, it is natural for the sex drive to wane as well. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up hope. There are ways to help bring your libido back during menopause. For instance, hormone therapy is one of the best ways for most women to boost their libido, especially if their ovaries were removed. Other ways to boost your libido during menopause are:
- Exercising on a regular basis – exercise sparks endorphins.
- Enjoying an occasional alcoholic beverage – alcohol in moderation may boost hormone levels. (Hint: Make it red wine, and you’ll also be getting antioxidants into your diet!)
- Avoiding large meals late in the evening – this only promotes a stuffed, sleepy feeling.
- Have time for JUST YOURSELF
- Find an attractive and respectful partner
- Plan for privacy and vary your routine
- Respond to your partner’s moves, many time a woman isn’t thinking about sex (even though their partner is) but once they get involved in the interchange, they ‘get into the mood’ and really enjoy the intimacy and sensations.
Consult Your Doctor
Menopause may or may not be the reason for your low libido. To truly determine what is happening, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and take time to review the environmental factors around you. Remember that lifestyle, partner, and personal concerns weigh heavily on a person’s sex drive. You need to be able to openly discuss your concerns with your women’s health doctor. This will help you and your doctor determine the cause of your low sex drive and the proper treatment, if any, that is needed.
Speaking of Women’s Health is a program of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialized Women’s Health whose mission is to educate women to make informed decisions about health, well-being and personal safety for themselves and their families. We provide women’s health information in a variety of ways, including women’s health education conferences, monthly email newsletters, speakingofwomenshealth.com and social media: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blog.
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