Many women going through the menopause transition are no strangers to a loss of libido. But if that’s not something you identify with realise that not everyone will experience this symptom. Some ladies experience an increase in desire.
If your sexual desire has waned, however, it can be very detrimental to relationships. We can’t tell you how often we’ve heard that women make up excuses to go to bed later than their partner because they would much rather – say – do the dishes than contemplate lovemaking.
Why Has My Sexual Desire Left The Building?
The culprits are usually decreasing sex hormone levels – estrogen and testosterone, which can also lead to a dry vah-jay-jay and painful sex. Estrogen is our ‘juice’ and declining levels can cause a diminished blood supply and loss of lubrication in the vagina.
Couple that with common signs such as feeling depressed and anxious, or experiencing hot flushes and weight gain and it’s no surprise that you might not be feeling sexy.
There is no hard and fast rule regarding menopause and sex, which encompasses sex during perimenopause and sex after menopause. Just like everyone’s libido is individual to them so is their menopausal journey!
5 Tips To Help Your Libido
1. Talk to your partner
2. Get intimate rather than sexual
3. Use a lubricant
Vaginal dryness affects women of all ages so there are quite a few varieties of lubricant out there. Experts recommend using a water-based option as they’re easy to wash off. However, there is also a place for oil-based lubricants like natural coconut and avocado oil as well as commercial varieties. The caution here is that they may affect condom strength. A tried and true option is Sylk which is water-based and uses a Kiwifruit exact, Good Clean Love – 95% organic water-based, and Replens silicon-based long-lasting moisturiser which lasts for up to three days.
4. Movement
Whether you walk, lift weights, dance, swim or climb mountains moving your body gets the endorphins flowing and helps you feel better. And if you want to get your sexual desire going you need to feel good. This study showed that exercise can be beneficial in some cases of female sexual dysfunction. Research also showed that the positive body image exercise can produce improved sexual wellbeing.
5. Take 40+/55+
Disclaimer: Our articles are for information only and intended to inform from a holistic point of view. They should not take the place of medical advice. Certain diet and exercise practises may be beneficial for the majority of people but could have potential risks for others. If you are contemplating lifestyle changes or you have ongoing concerns please consult your healthcare provider.
