The loss of libido can be one of the most frustrating physical symptoms of the menopausal transition. You may begin to feel self-conscious about your body image and apprehensive about your physical relationship with your partner. These feelings only serve to exasperate the problem, as they can leave you feeling depressed, anxious, and irritable. Read on for some tips about how to keep your relationship intimate when you're feeling a loss of libido.
Why Is This Happening to Me?
During menopause, the female body begins to slow production of essential hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which are responsible for influencing nearly every cell, organ, and function in the female body. When hormone levels become erratic, they trigger a range of uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms, from loss of libido and vaginal dryness to anxiety and depression.
Tips to Keep the Passion Alive
Low libido may also be caused by outside factors, such as stress or relationship problems. Here, you can find some options to rekindle the fire.
Buy yourself something new
Menopausal women often complain about gaining weight around their abdomen and losing their hourglass figure. Instead of feeling depressed about your changing body shape, buy a new little black dress or lingerie that compliments your new figure. Confidence is always sexy!
Plan a special night
Whether you and your partner enjoy quiet dinners or romantic getaways, you should take this opportunity to rekindle your relationship by spending an intimate night alone. Getting away from the pressures of work and home life for one night will go a long way in helping you both unwind.
Join an activity together
A great way to intensify desire for your partner by getting to know him in a new context. Joining a couple's activity is a fun way to become more active, which in turn may help boost your energy and your libido. Consider joining a ballroom dance class, couple's yoga, or jogging. They're great choices to help you stay fit and feel sexy.
Recommendations
While the above tips provide important lifestyle changes you can make to help increase your libido, they do not address the root cause of the problem, hormonal imbalance. Learning more about the causes of low libido is important to your health and well-being.
Sources
- Channon, L.D. & Ballinger, S.E. "Some Aspects of Sexuality and Vaginal Symptoms during Menopause and their Relation to Anxiety and Depression." British Journal of Medical Psychology. June 1986. 59 (29): 173-80.
- Sarell, Philip, M.D.. "Psychosexual effects of menopause: Role of androgens." American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Marcy 1999. 180: 3S-II.
- Studd, John. "Loss of Libido and Menopause." The Management of Menopause. Annual Review 1998. Partenon Publishing.