As you go through menopause, you might notice your libido, or sexual desire, changes. Some people may experience a libido increase or decrease. These changes may be temporary or long lasting, but you can do several things to help.
Menopause is a gradual process. It generally takes about 7 yearsTrusted Source from beginning to end but may last up to 14 years.
The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. This is when your hormone levels change, and your periods become more irregular. Perimenopause usually begins in your 40s.
Menopause occurs when at least 12 months pass since your last menstrual period. During this time, your body stops producing the hormones that cause menstruation.
People in the United States may experience natural menopause at around 51 years old. The time after menopause is known as postmenopause. Your decreased hormone levels usually stabilize to their new norm.
Sex Drive And Menopause- Are These Two Related
The loss of estrogen and testosterone following menopause can lead to changes in a woman’s body and sexual drive. Menopausal and postmenopausal women may notice that they’re not as easily aroused, and they may be less sensitive to touching and stroking. That can lead to less interest in sex.
Also, lower levels of estrogen can cause a drop in blood supply to the vagina. That can affect vaginal lubrication, causing the vagina to be too dry for comfortable sex — but there’s help for that.
Other factors may influence a woman’s level of interest in sex during menopause and after. These include:
- Bladder control problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression or anxiety
- Stress
- Medications
- Health concerns
Signs Of Menopause Relate To The Sexual Drive
Menopause may close one door, but it can open others. It’s no secret that hormonal shifts can throw things off-balance. Vaginal dryness? Yep. Libido fluctuations? Definitely. But this doesn’t mean intimacy after menopause is over – it’s just different. And with a little know-how, this chapter can bring even deeper connection, pleasure, and personal growth.
Let’s break down what changes you might experience and what you can do to keep things exciting in the bedroom (and beyond).
The Science of Change: Hormones at Play
When estrogen levels drop during menopause, you may notice:
- Vaginal dryness and thinning: Less natural lubrication can cause discomfort during sex.
- Libido fluctuations: Some women experience a lower sex drive, while others feel liberated without the worry of pregnancy.
- Decreased elasticity: The vaginal walls become thinner, which may make intercourse more uncomfortable.
- Lowered arousal and sensitivity: Reduced blood flow to the genitals can impact sensation and orgasm intensity.
These physiological changes can affect how you feel about sex and intimacy, both physically and emotionally. But knowing what’s happening is the first step toward addressing it.
Other Signs Of Menopause
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Irregular periods
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Vaginal dryness
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Hot flashes
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Chills
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Night sweats
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Sleep problems
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Mood changes
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Weight gain and slowed metabolism
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Urinary urgency
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Difficulty sleeping
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Emotional changes
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Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth
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Breast tenderness
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Anxiety
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Changes in mood
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Changes in skin conditions, including dryness or increase in oiliness and onset of adult acne
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Discomfort during sex
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Feelings of loss of self
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Hair loss or thinning
FAQs
Q.How To Recover From A Poor Sexual Life During Menopause?
You can try taking different routes for it like-
- Use of pills
- Diet changes
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Sex therapy
Q. Can Masturbation Be A Simple And Good Remedy To Increase Sex Drive?
Yes, masturbation is actually, a good way to stimulate the vagina area that can help increase libido in many women.
Q. How Can Low Libido Affect Your Relationship?
Low sexual drive means that your sexual life begins to take a hit. It is not long before you see your partner and you are distant apart in your married life.