Experiencing loss of libido during menopause is a common occurrence among millions of women. This is caused by hormonal imbalances in the body as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decline and symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness come about.
These symptoms associated with menopause often cause a woman to feel less interested in sex with her partner. This can easily put strain on a relationship. Read on to find ways to keep the fire burning when your libido is down.
Reinvent Yourself
It doesn't take leaps and bounds to reawaken your sensual side - it's still within you, and everyone's sexuality is constantly evolving. Eat well and maintain regular physical activity to keep your hormones in balance and get your endorphines moving. Treat yourself - invest in lingerie and indulge in regular massages and beauty treatments. These can help you feel sexier.
Open the Lines of Communication
Keeping your emotions bottled up can be a recipe for disaster. It can be easy to keep your emotions to yourself out of embarrassment or fear. Talk to your spouse or partner about your feelings and the symptoms you are experiencing. Explaining why you have a low libido through communication is key in managing your emotions. Once your partner understands not only your physical but emotional experience, they are more equipped to help you handle your feelings.
Hormone Therapy
Many women are turning to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as an alternative to natural therapies to revive a reduced libido. Viewed as one of the most successful menopause treatments, HRT works to chemically boost your libido by reducing other symptoms that can be complicating your sexual drive and energy. It is associated with several risks, so it's important to talk to your doctor and consider the pros and cons.
Change Tired Habits
Stirring up an old routine and rediscovering yourself can go a long way to reinvigorating a low libido. Try to break harmful habits and find techniques to reduce stress (e.g., yoga, acupuncture), incorporate a diet rich in estrogenic foods such as soy, alfalfa, wheat, and yams into your daily meals, and engage in exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes. These simple lifestyle changes have proven to have very positive effects on boosting libido.
For more information on loss of libido and how to treat it, follow the links below.
Sources
- Channon L.D and 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 (2): 173-80.
- Sarell, Philip, M.D. "Psychosexual effects of menopause: Role of androgens". American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. March 1999. 180: 3S-II.
- Studd, John. "Loss of Libido and Menopause". The Management of Menopause. Annual Review 1998. Partenon Publishing.