Loss of Libido FAQs

By Menopause Now Editorial Team | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Ladies

While every woman responds differently to a loss of libido during menopause, virtually all women who experience this common symptom have questions about what causes loss of libido and how it can be managed. By gaining a better understanding of loss of libido, a woman has a chance at achieving even greater intimacy with her partner.

Keep reading to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding loss of libido.

Q: What Is Loss of Libido?

A: Loss of libido, medically known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, is a reduced or complete loss of sexual desire or interest. Loss of libido is different from problems with arousal and climax, though they sometimes go hand in hand.

Q: Is Loss of Libido Normal during Menopause?

A: Experiencing a loss of libido is normal and common for women around the age of menopause. In fact, an estimated 30 - 40% of all menopausal women experience some decrease in sexual desire and interest during menopause. Fortunately, this loss of libido does not have to be permanent. Read on to learn more about the cause of loss of libido and what a woman can do to increase her sex drive.

Q: What Causes Loss of Libido during Menopause?

A: While many factors contribute to a woman's interest in sex, the primary cause of loss of libido in menopause is hormonal fluctuations. As a woman enters menopause, her body begins to produce less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, all of which play a role in maintaining a healthy sex drive. When these hormones become unbalanced, a woman may find that she is less interested in sex than she once was.

While hormonal fluctuations are the main cause of loss of libido during menopause, several other physical, emotional, and relational factors can contribute to loss of libido. Continue reading to learn more about these causes.

Q: What Other Factors Contribute to Loss of Libido during Menopause?

A: In addition to hormonal changes, several factors can cause or contribute to loss of libido.

Physical Causes

  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Pain-related conditions
  • Medication use
  • Hysterectomy
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Anemia
  • Chronic disease
  • Vaginal dryness

Psychological Causes

  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in self-esteem and body image
  • Concerns about aging
  • Feelings about sex
  • Psychological conditions (e.g., mood swings, depression, and anxiety)

Relational Causes

  • Changes in partner's physical health
  • Intimate relationship changes
  • Availability of partner
  • Lack of communication between partners
  • Changing social role
  • Family changes
  • Low sex drive in partner
  • Major life changes

Fortunately, many steps can be taken to revive sexual interest and desire. Read on to learn about how a woman can gain back her libido during menopause.

Q: How Can a Woman Restore Her Libido?

A: For women concerned about the loss of libido during menopause, there are several ways to restore sex drive. In fact, many different strategies can be used to gain back libido during menopause.

Tips to Gain Back Libido

  • Diet. Incorporate healthier food choices into meals.
  • Stress reduction techniques. Yoga, meditation, visualization, and quiet time may help
  • Speak with your partner. Open communication is often the gateway to healthy sexual relationships.
  • Increase activity. Exercise can positively impact a woman's health in a number of ways, including reviving a woman's libido.
  • Speak with a professional. Sometimes speaking with a psychologist or medical doctor can help a woman find the best treatment options available for restoring her libido.

Q: Is Treatment Available for Loss of Libido?

A: Fortunately, libido can be improved by making simple lifestyle changes. While these changes are helpful, they are unable to treat the root problem of hormonal imbalance that occurs with menopause. Natural remedies are safe, non-invasive, and effective options for the treatment of loss of libido.

Q: What Are the Best Ways to Cope with Loss of Libido?

Three approaches can be considered for treating loss of libido: lifestyle changes, alternative medicine, and prescription medication. Most experts recommend that women begin with the least aggressive approach and move to the next level of treatment only if symptoms persist. Click on treatments for loss of libido to discover the best route to relief.

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