Understanding Menopause and Libido
The most commonly discussed issue amongst women is menopause and libido, how it changes their sex drive, and overall quality of life. Menopause happens to be a crucial biological stage for every woman as, during this transitional period of life, their reproductive years declare their retirement.
There are a lot of other health complexities and symptoms that arrive at a woman’s life at this point that impact them mentally and physically. The relationship between menopause and libido is complicated as it involves a blend of psychological, hormonal, and physical factors.
Libido after Menopause: What Women Should Know
Women tend to experience a noticeable decline in their libido after menopause, this change is often related to fluctuating hormonal levels especially a deterioration in estrogen and testosterone. The decreasing level of libido also has a medical name which is called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found out in 2012, that HSDD is one of the 20 highly concerning diseases that need attention. Doctors consider declined libido as an aspect of sexual dysfunction, yet there are other causes as well, such as issues in desire, orgasm, desire, and pain.
Australian research shows that more than 32% of women aged between 40 to 65 experience low libido which causes them personal distress. Other issues arise during menopause such as night sweats, hot flashes, psychological breakdown, vaginal yeast infection, and vaginal atrophy. However, it is important to know that every woman’s experience is different from one another.
While some notice low libido some go through other complexities related to menopause. When women understand what can be physical or mental changes while going through this biological stage, they feel more controlled, calm, and encouraged.
Low Libido Menopause Treatment: Explore Your Options
When any woman feels that her sexual arousal has decreased, they tend to go through psychological turmoil, but they need to know that there are some low libido menopause treatments available for them, few of them are listed below:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
This treatment is available in Brazil as well as in India, it is one of the most effective treatments for controlling menopause symptoms, including low libido. This treatment replenishes estrogen and testosterone levels and helps in alleviating vaginal dryness, boosts sexual drive, and improves sexual response as well. However, every woman needs to discuss the perks and the risks of HRT with their healthcare professional as this treatment is not recommended for everyone.
Vaginal Estrogen
Women for whom HRT is not a suitable treatment they can try for vaginal estrogen creams, rings, or medicines. This is one of the localized treatments that will help women take care of their vaginal health, and make intercourse better than before.
Counseling
There is a lot of evidence that showcases how low libido brings psychological distress amongst women such as depression, anxiety, or stress, hence in this case the best option is to seek the help of a professional therapist who can give more valuable insights and strategies to reignite sexual urges and responses.
Lifestyle Changes
Consuming healthy food such as a lot of green vegetables, exercising more, and adopting stress management strategies, also converting your passion in the form of therapy such as dancing, singing, or even art.
Bremelanotide (Vylessi)
Bremelanotide was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 that it is an effective medicine to treat low libido in the years leading to a woman’s menopause. In trials, almost 25% of women using this drug felt increased sexual desires and 31% of people noticed less distress aspects related to sex.
Lubricants
Women can use over-the-counter lubricants to increase smooth intercourse, also over-the-counter moisturizers can help in treating vaginal dryness. These lubricants and moisturizers can help women treat discomfort in sex.
Know the Practical Tips to Improve Libido During Menopause
Every woman wants to know how to improve libido during menopause, as it requires a holistic approach including both physical and mental aspects. Listed below are some practical tips that can help you:
Communication
One of the most important factors is having an honest and open interaction with your partner and voicing your feelings and needs. Comprehending one another’s needs and concerns helps foster intimacy as well as connection.
Experimentation
Menopause marks the time for change and hence, it can be viewed as an opportunity to explore various other methods of pleasure such as oral sex, the use of sex toys, and lubricants. Also, practicing foreplay for a longer time can help in raising the moisture level improving sexual intimacy and satisfaction.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
To improve libido during menopause one needs to understand that relaxation and practicing mindfulness can help in managing many psychological breakdowns, including depression, stress and anxiety hence practicing meditation and yoga can be of great help.
Healthy Diet
Women experiencing menopause need to maintain a healthy diet with balanced nutrients that will support their hormonal well-being, such as antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and omega-3 3-fatty acids will have a positive impact on your libido.
Stay Active
When women keep themselves engaged in physical activities, it helps in boosting endorphins, increases their energy level, and helps in controlling mood swings. Involving yourself in physical exercises will make you feel more confident and sexually vibrant than before.
Embrace the Natural Remedies to Increase Libido during Menopause
For women who prefer a more natural approach, there are quite a few natural remedies to increase libido during menopause, some of them are identified below:
Herbal Supplements
There are some herbs such as black cohosh, Tribulus, ginkgo are some important herbs used to enhance sexual functioning and boost testosterone levels. These are very effective supplements that help in balancing hormones and enhancing energy levels, yet consulting a healthcare professional is important before starting any supplement.
Aromatherapy
Some essential oils such as clary sage, lavender, neroli, ylang-ylang, and rose possess aphrodisiac properties, using these oils for massage purposes or even diffusing them in your home can create a soothing and comfortable environment.
Acupuncture
In a study in 2016, it has shown 13 women having low libido had acupuncture twice for at least 5 weeks, they witnessed that women experienced increased sexual urge, orgasm, and arousal. The women at this point were in their perimenopause stage.
Yoga
There is certain evidence that practicing yoga helps in overcoming various symptoms of menopause which also includes restlessness, fatigue, and stress.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through many exercises such as Kegels can enhance sexual drive, functioning, and satisfaction during intercourse; therefore, these exercises also bring sexual confidence.
Conclusion
Menopause is the beginning of a woman’s new biological journey that brings in many hormonal changes and many symptoms because of menopause. Yet some natural and medical remedies are available to cure libido after menopause, by comprehending the transitions that occur during this biological period in a woman helps them to overcome other symptoms of menopause strategically. Every woman experiences different symptoms of menopause hence finding the right remedy is the key.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my Libido after Menopause
Well, it is important to understand the severity of your libido, certain steps can help you reclaim your sexual functioning.
- Acknowledging the Transition: The first step includes comprehending and acknowledging the transitions during menopause this will help you feel more confident and manage psychological distress.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: It is always important to consult a professional and speak about your concerns, they can advise you with proper remedies or even help you identify any other underlying
- Exploring other Treatment options: On the basis of your consultation, you can explore the various other available treatment options, that are appropriate for you. It can be either HRT, vaginal estrogen, natural remedies, or lifestyle changes.
- Improve your Emotional Intimacy: Foster an emotional connection with your partner by spending quality time with each other and communicating about each other’s problems.
- Have Patience: Libido is not something that happens overnight or gets cured overnight it will take time. Hence, you must keep your patience and explore the treatments that will work for you the best.
How can I improve my sexual well-being before and after menopause?
Take the following steps during your perimenopause stage for better sexual health.
- Be physically active.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Have sexual intimacy more often.
- Avoid products that irritate your vaginal area.
- Practice foreplay for a longer period.
- Use lubricants for better sexual pleasure.
Is Safe Sex still required Post-menopause?
Yes, you must practice safe sex and use condoms if you are not involved in a monogamous relationship, as in this case both of you have sex with each other and have tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs and STDs).
Citations
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/sexual-wellbeing-intimacy-and-menopause/#:~:text=There’s%20a%20myth%20that%20because,still%20there%20after%20the%20menopause
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320266#alternative-remedies
- https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/menopause-ruining-your-sex-life-libido
- https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/07/menopause-reproductive-health-stigma-medical-treatment-information-mood-anxiety-support
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-sex-changes-after-menopause
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-and-sexuality
Prativa Chatterjee
