No One Is Ready For Menopause
More than 1 million women start the life-changing process of menopause each year. With age, women come to the end of the reproductive period. Menstruation stops at this point, and menopause begins. The body then goes through a series of uncomfortable changes. But could low libido be one such change? Unsurprisingly, the body produces less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones are mainly responsible for healthy sexual function. So a decrease in intimacy can be linked to menopause.
It’s not only hormones
With menopause can come vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse, both contributing factors to low libido. And while low libido could be blamed on reduced hormones, there are even more factors involved. For instance, the psychological stress of menopause can lead to depression, tiredness, and mood swings. These changes can come on even before menopause starts. Menopausal changes put a strain on emotional and sexual relationships. Luckily, doctors have found these 3 methods effective for treating low libido.
1. Get a hormone boost with HRT
What if there was a way to bring some balance back lost hormones? The reduced estrogen and progesterone are the main culprits for menopausal symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) provides an estrogen boost in a pill, gel, or cream. Most will contain progesterone to balance out the excess estrogen. Some treatments include testosterone which can improve sex drive. Doctors prescribe HRT at a low dose and increase the dosage as needed. Research has shown positive results with HRT and libido.
2. Time to get healthy
Many women have found that adopting a healthy lifestyle reduces the symptoms of menopause. Incorporating exercise and a healthy diet manage the depression, tiredness, and mood swings that come with the condition. What’s more, women report an increase in sexual desire. Exercise increases endorphins, which improve mood and reduces stress. Speak with a doctor to establish a light but effective exercise routine.
3. Let’s talk about sex…therapy
Having deep, candid conversations about the struggles of menopause can make all the difference. Through therapy, couples can work together to deal with decreased libido. Sex therapists, in particular, have extensive experience helping women with menopause. Therapists can recommend both physical and psychological solutions to improve intimacy, increase libido, and manage menopause symptoms.
Bring back your libido today
While menopause is a natural change that comes with age, the process can be challenging to handle. The stress, hot flashes, bone loss, and even weight gain is stressful enough. The decline in intimacy with a partner due to low libido can damage the relationship. Women experiencing low libido should seek advice from an OB/GYN who can advise on the best treatment.