The Effect of Menopause on Sex Drive

When a woman does not have her period anymore, it is referred as menopause. This change is known to affect the menstrual cycle of a woman. Menopause brings about several emotional and physical changes that may impact her sex life.

Menopause

Some of the side effects and symptoms that can be seen during menopause includes:

  • Weight gain
  • Thinning hair
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Depression
  • Decreased sexual desire and sex drive
  • Bladder control issues
  • Anxiety

These effects can affect the relationship she may share with her partner along with her quality of life.

Effects on the Libido

Libido is the term used for sexual enjoyment and sexual interest. Some women say that their libido reduces, but the changes could vary from one person to the other. One review stated that sexual problems among individuals after menopause increases by 68 to 86.5 percent.

When the estrogen level decreases, it could reduce the blood flow to the genitals, making the labia and vagina thinner. This makes the area less sensitive in nature in response to sexual stimulation.

Decrease in the blood flow could also affect the overall arousal and vaginal lubrication. A Woman might not enjoy sex as she used to earlier. Sex can also become painful and uncomfortable. The mental health of the person may also be compromised due to the fluctuating levels of hormones.

Libido is also affected by the amount of stress the person is undergoing associated to parenting, job, and other associated factors.

Some of the examples of side effects would include depression, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and hot flashes.

Other factors that contribute to reduced libido after menopause are:

  • History of smoking
  • History of having chronic health conditions, like depression, diabetes, and heart disease
  • Low level of physical activity

How to Enhance the Libido?

Certain steps can be taken into consideration for increasing the libido. Some of them are discussed below.

Medical Treatments

When the vaginal tissue experiences changes, like dryness or thinning, she can take up estrogen therapy. The prescription estrogen could be directly applied to the genitals as creams. They are also available in the form of vaginal rings or pills.

Hormone replacement therapy can also help in reducing symptoms, like mood changes and hot flashes, but they are known to carry risks as well.

Sometimes, doctors also suggest testosterone therapy. All women may not respond to the treatment. This method is therefore not suggested by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of sexual disorders in females.

Therapy can also be suggested in many cases for enhancing the sexual experience.

Lifestyle Changes

With the help of water-soluble lubricants, the sexual experience could be enhanced. It is also important to avoid silicone-based and non-water soluble lubricants.

Physical activity is also very important for reducing the symptoms associated to menopause. A healthy and balanced diet is extremely crucial as well.

Changing Sexual Habits

Certain changes can be incorporated for increasing the intimacy between the couple. They might include:

  • Practicing masturbation
  • Relieving stress
  • Changing sexual routines

Natural remedies like soy, red clover, and black cohosh can also be used for increasing libido.