Many women experience low libido during menopause. Estrogen levels start to decline and as hormones levels fluctuate, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness flare up. These symptoms of menopause can often make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful, further decreasing desire for sex.
Talking to your partner about low libido can be difficult for some women. However, it is important for both individuals in a relationship to feel valued and wanted. Read on to learn how to make your partner feel wanted despite low libido.
Considering Your Partner
Your changing libido doesn't just affect you—a lack of sexual drive can leave your partner feeling insecure and unwanted. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reconnect with your partner. Read on to find three simple ways to restore your libido and rekindle your relationship during menopause:
Taking a Lesson in Practicality
It is perfectly understandable why many women lose their sex drive during menopause. From hot flashes to stress at home and work, dealing with menopause can be a trying time. Even though many women lose their libido at this time, it is not lost forever. Take a lesson in practicality and recognize that you are still the same woman as you were before menopause. This is the time to incorporate lifestyle changes. Eat well and maintain regular physical activity to keep your hormones in balance and improve your overall well-being.
Communicate
Losing your libido can actually help deepen intimacy. It allows you and your partner to show vulnerability, admit fears, and dare to reconnect in ways you would not have imagined before. Set aside time to talk about what you like and do not like. If this is uncomfortable try writing a letter. Remember that your partner is not a mind reader, so make sure you are always honest and up front about your feelings.
Change Your Attitude
Making an effort to improve your overall attitude and adopting a more positive outlook on life can bring unexpected changes and increase happiness. This can work wonders for reigniting your sexual passion and desire - something your partner will definitely notice and appreciate.
Recommendation
Once your partner understands not only the physical but also the emotional changes you are experiencing, they will be able to help you manage your feelings. Try out one or a combination of the above approaches and learn to take control of loss of libido brought on by menopause. Click on the following link to learn about loss of libido treatments.
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.