Menopause is a natural transition all women go through as they age. During this time, women stop menstruating and experience changes in their bodies as hormone levels shift. An area that menopause affects for some women is their libido and sexual desire.
There are several factors that influence libido changes during menopause:
- Estrogen levels drop during menopause. This can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. It may also reduce desire. However, some women report increased arousal and sensitivity as estrogen declines.
- Lower testosterone, which also declines with age, may lessen sexual motivation for some women. However, testosterone therapy is controversial and may have side effects.
- Life stressors like children moving away, divorce, caring for aging parents, and career changes happen during middle age. These can negatively or positively impact female desire.
- Body image issues may develop with weight gain and natural aging. But some women report feeling more comfortable with their bodies and sexuality as they get older.
- The end of fertility and contraception use after menopause can remove inhibitions some women feel about sex. Without the worry of pregnancy, some women feel freer to explore their sexuality.
- Individual experiences vary. Some women lose interest in sex entirely during menopause, while others report a spike in their sex drive and enjoyment of sex.
So in summary - yes, for some women going through menopause, changes in their bodies and life situation lead to an increase in libido and arousal. But it impacts every woman differently.
If you're struggling with libido changes during
perimenopause or menopause, don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about it. They can check your
hormone levels and make sure there are no other issues impacting your sexual health. If
hormone therapy isn't right for you, they may suggest vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, lifestyle changes, or counseling.
At
Renewal Hormone Center, we specialize in optimizing women's health during menopause and beyond through
evidence-based hormone therapies and holistic care. Our intuitive telehealth platform makes it easy to have confidential consultations with our network of experienced physicians and women's health experts. We carefully analyze your symptoms, health profile, and goals to create fully personalized treatment plans.
Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation.