Low libido, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is "a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sex that causes you personal distress." This can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which being menopause. It is one of the most common side effects of menopause, affecting between 20 and 45 percent of women, according to Epigee.org. While no pill exists to treat this condition, hope is still alive in the form of treatments such as lubricants and hormone therapy.
Step 1
Keep the lines of communication open with your partner. When suffering from a loss of sex drive due to menopause, women often suffer from depression while partners tend to feel rejected and unloved. These feelings can lead to an increase in disagreements and arguments, thus lowering a woman's libido even more.
Discuss with your partner how you feel, allowing him to do the same. The more you understand about one another, the easier it is build the emotional connection needed to revive your sex life. This conversation should also include what each of you likes and dislikes during intercourse; doing this increases intimacy, which may also lead to an increased libido.
Step 2
Use a lubricant during intercourse. Even if you have a desire for intercourse, your body may not agree. During and after menopause, penetration can be uncomfortable; for some women it is extremely painful. This is due to the decreased estrogen levels, which prevent blood from reaching your pelvis. In turn, your vaginal walls become thinner and lubrication is decreased. Using a feminine lubricant can fix this problem and restore your physical desire for sex.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor about antidepressants. Mood swings and depression are common problems in menopausal and postmenopausal women. These problems come from the decline in hormones and can kill your desire for sex. In some cases, antidepressants may help stabilize your mood in the short term until these symptoms pass on their own, allowing you to enjoy the intimacy of sexual intercourse.
Step 4
Consider estrogen therapy. During menopause, estrogen levels drop and do not increase after menopause. And since estrogen is the major sex hormone for women, it may be helpful to try estrogen therapy.
Systemic therapy involves the use of a pill, patch or gel and works by traveling throughout the body. Estrogen in these forms affects the functioning of the brain responsible for the way you respond to sexual stimulation.
Local therapy involves the use of a vaginal cream or slow-releasing suppository ring that works by increasing blood flow to your vagina, thus increasing your desire.
Step 5
Weigh the pros and cons of testosterone therapy. Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic states that testosterone is one of the hormones which plays a role in the healthy sexual functioning of women. It is also a hormone adversely affected during and after menopause. While a sudden change in these testosterone levels does not typically occur with natural menopause, it is commonly seen in women who undergo menopause due to surgical procedures, such as hysterectomies, in which the ovaries are removed. While testosterone therapy isn't usually recommended for low libido, it can be prescribed for women in the aforementioned situation.
Certain circumstances are also taken into consideration. For instance, this therapy is usually prescribed only for women whose estrogen levels are adequate. It is not recommended for postmenopausal women with a history of breast or uterine cancer, or those who suffer from liver or cardiovascular disease.
When given, testosterone therapy comes in the form of a cream or gel, and can also be prescribed as an injection or administered in pill form. Its most common side effects include acne and the growth of excess facial hair.
Things You'll Need
- Lubricant
- Antidepressants
- Estrogen therapy
- Testosterone therapy
