Lately, you've noticed a change in your wife: no matter what you try in the bedroom, she just doesn't seem interested in sex anymore. Dealing with your partner's loss of libido can be frustrating, as it can make you feel like she no longer finds you attractive or desirable. But there may be something to blame for her lack of interest that's out of her immediate control. Read on to find out possible reasons why your wife has lost her libido.
It's Not You - It's Her Hormones
Did you know that your wife's loss of libido may be the result of a hormonal imbalance? During menopause, the female body begins to slow production of hormones, which send messages throughout the body influencing nearly every cell, gland, and function. The decrease of essential hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can negatively affect libido.
As a result of these hormonal changes, your wife may begin to suffer from a range of uncomfortable side effects - from hot flashes and night sweats to loss of libido and depression. Here's how hormonal changes can trigger loss of libido:
Hormonal fluctuations. Increased progesterone levels lead to a boost in libido just before menstruation. Thus when your wife's body begins to secrete less progesterone, she may suffer from low libido.
Mood. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are thought to impact mood through their interaction with the neurotransmitter serotonin. Your wife may feel depressed, anxious, or irritable as a result of these changes.
Vaginal moisture. Estrogen helps to maintain a lubricated and thick vaginal lining. When estrogen levels decrease, your wife may suffer from vaginal dryness, which could contribute to her low libido.
Weight. Diminished levels of testosterone and progesterone cause many women to gain weight during menopause, which may lead to increased stress, which can impact libido.
Energy. As a steroid hormone, testosterone helps to boost energy and vitality and increase mental alertness. A drop in testosterone may cause your wife to feel sluggish or have a low libido.
In addition to the hormonal changes, loss of libido may be triggered by outside factors such as stress, relationship problems, or prescription medications.
Recommendation: What You Can Do to Help
Menopause is a difficult life transition for most women. As her partner, it is important for you to communicate with her about how she is feeling and ask her what you can do to help. Showing her that you care is the first step to reigniting that bedroom passion. Click here to read more about treatments for low libido.
Sources
- Studd, John. "Loss of Libido and Menopause". The Management of Menopause. Annual Review 1998. Partenon Publishing.
- 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.