It’s a known fact that for many women’s sexual desire gradually wanes with age. A woman’s decline in sex drive may start as earlier as her late 40s.
However, there are also women who have said the opposite, and have reported an increase in their sexual desire at this time of their life. This increased interest may be caused by their newly found freedom, and no longer having to worry about becoming pregnant. Others feel more liberated as they can enjoy their privacy now their children have left the nest.
However, for the majority of menopausal women, there is a decline, not an increase in sexual drive. Evidence from numerous studies shows that when a woman experiences a decline in sexual desire it is usually caused by several factors, not just one.
Unfortunately, a decrease in libido causes emotional problems for some women. They may become worried in their relationship. They feel as if they are ‘not performing’ as they should/ could be. Others worry that their decreased sexual drive has occurred too early, especially if they don’t feel old.
Causes of Reduced Sexual Desire in Menopause
Sleep Problems
Studies show that a lack of sleep can lead to decreased sexual function. Experts say that quality and lengthy sleep can affect a person’s sex life. A lack of sleep makes you irritable and not the least bit ‘loving’. Therefore, the mere thought of engaging in sexual activity is not on your radar.
Anxiety and Depression
For some women, when their hormonal levels fluctuate, their mental health is also affected. This can certainly impact their libido. It may lead them to become irritable and depressed, this creates anxiety and makes them even less interested in sexual activities.
Stress
Exposure to chronic stress can impact a woman’s sex life. This is because increased levels of the stress hormone called cortisol can suppress a woman’s sex hormones. This results in a lowered libido.
Medications
Antidepressant medications can cause sexual dysfunction in some menopausal women. Antihistamines can also cause vaginal dryness. All these issues can deter a woman from wanting to ‘be in the mood’, for fear of vaginal discomfort. Plus, many medications make a person drowsy, which doesn’t help matters at all.
Illness or Medical Conditions
A decline in estrogen during menopause also leads to thinning of the urethra lining. This is where the urine flows and is excreted from the body. If the pelvic muscles weaken, another problem may arise; urinary infections and incontinence.
Research shows that up to 25% of menopausal women experience urinary leakage during sexual intercourse. This causes embarrassment and also prevents enjoyment. Urinary tract infections are also an issue that makes sex difficult.
Chronic illness such as diabetes and heart disease may also lead to a reduced libido. Other conditions such as rectal, bladder and vaginal prolapse can make sexual intercourse very difficult as well.
Smoking
The nicotine content of cigarettes can speed up the arrival of menopause and it can also cause further drops in estrogen levels. Research shows that nicotine can lead to a decreased amount of blood flow to the woman’s vagina and clitoris, making the woman less inclined to feel in the mood.
Hormonal Issues
As you would have realized by now, estrogen plays a crucial role in a woman’s sexuality. Increased sensations, vaginal lubrication and healthy vaginal tissues do not occur without having healthy estrogen levels. This decreased production of estrogen results in hot flashes and night sweats which can also contribute to a loss in sexual desire.
Lowered levels of estrogen translate to a reduced blood flow to the woman’s sexual organs (the same as nicotine). This causes thinning in the vaginal tissues and labia. As a result, decreased sensitivity in these areas occurs, which also means reduced sexual stimulation.
In addition, if there is a reduced blood flow to the vagina, there will also be a decrease in vaginal lubrication. This causes some women to experience pain during sex making them less likely to be able to achieve orgasm.
A couple of different products that I recommend trying to help with vaginal dryness, lubrication and sensation are Intimacy Oil by Green Compass and Julva by Dr. Anna Cabeca.
If a woman has lowered levels of progesterone they become at risk of experiencing fatigue, which undermines any interest for sex. Lastly, the testosterone hormone drives sexual desire and fantasy, while also providing increased energy. This is why a decrease in testosterone levels may result in lowered libido levels.
Experts say that when looking to improve sexual health among menopausal women, it is a must that a multifaceted approach be used. This means that the woman’s environment, overall mental and physical health, all need to be taken into consideration. It is also why I recommend working with a practitioner well versed in women’s hormone health when needed.
Be sure to check out my DIY programs designed to help you balance your hormones and heal your gut.
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