Menopause and sex drive are firmly related, and one can affect the occurrence of the other. People have several questions about sex drive and menopause and how they are related, so we answered the five biggest questions.
- Will I lose my sex drive completely after menopause?
After hearing many stories about how ‘old women’ are no longer able to have sex, many of those who have not yet entered their own menopause, wonder if they will lose their sex drive completely.
In reality, this is not always the case. First of all, have you forgotten that sexy concept of cougars? Yep, they exist. And that means just because a woman has reached menopause does not mean she will definitely lose all of her sex drive.
Still, menopause causes hostile condition for proper sexual function. It could lead to the thinning of the vaginal walls, which may cause vaginal dryness.
Per an article on the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists website, this dryness makes penetrative sex painful.
Women who endure pain during intercourse tend to avoid sex. This avoidance may induce loss of sex drive.
The loss of sex drive is actually affected by other things like your general health and how you conduct your day-to-day life.
For example, what you eat, how much exercise you get, and whether or not your mental health is okay, all play a role in determining your sex drive after menopause.
So, there is definitely still hope in your ability to have sex well after menopause.
- What should I do if I still want to be sexually active?
And so, if you want to still be sexually active, there are many things you can do to ensure your sex drive is still kicking even though you are already in menopause. For instance, the first thing you will hear from a doctor is one of two things.
First, pay attention to your diet, and second, try to be more physically active. These two are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle no matter your age.
When you are already in menopause, not only is your body now different but your general health is also different.
With that said, you need better foods that can cater to your health, but on top of that, you now need to also consume more foods that are known to be great for improving female sex hormones.
Foods that are known to be anti-inflammatory are also your ally now.
- Are there foods that can help me maintain my sex drive?
Certain foods are known to carry phytoestrogens and these are the types of foods that you need to consume more of when you are already in menopause. Phytoestrogens are found in many types of foods and they are typically veg and fruits!
So, if you are a meatless eater, you are not out of options. No worries at all. For instance, one of the most common of such foods is soybeans. Soybeans and other soy products are known to carry such high levels of phytoestrogen.
But you don’t have to stop at just soy products. Fruits like apples, berries, plums and pears, are all known for their phytoestrogen content.
Still, you may include bananas, figs and avocados in your meals. They are considered libido enhancing foods.
These foods are rich in essential vitamins, amino acids and minerals that boost sexual functions. They facilitate efficient blood flow to the genital, thus promoting arousal.
Per an article on the Healthline website, this entire process helps to sustain a healthy sex life even on the advent of menopausal signs.
Veg like beans, spinach and cabbage are also great.
Even wine and tea carry some levels of phytoestrogens. As you can see, phytoestrogen foods are really quite exciting and colourful.
- What should I do about vaginal dryness?
When a woman has reached menopause, she may begin to experience vaginal dryness. The vagina tends to be drier because the body no longer produces female sex hormones in abundance.
The lack of oestrogen causes natural lubrication to face a little bit of a hard time. So then, a dry spell may become a regular part of your everyday life.
But this isn’t due to menopause itself, if you don’t take care of your diet to eat the right things, the problem may persist.
But if you take precautions and learn to eat foods that can increase your female sex hormones, you should be quite alright and will be able to manage.
During the times your vagina is really dry and you still want to have penetrative sex, use a water-based lube to help smooth things out. Taking longer during foreplay can also help in this case.
- Should I take supplements after menopause?
Supplements are a wonderful addition to a healthy diet. Any person at any age can take supplements that cater to their needs in accordance with their age.
When it comes to supplements for menopausal women, you totally can get some that are essential to your sexual health. Of course, you also want to cater to other aspects of your health.
For instance, the most important vitamin for menopausal women is vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. However, many people may find it very difficult to fulfil their vitamin D needs naturally.
Foods that contain high levels of vitamin D are also not that commonplace. In that case, you can totally get vitamin D supplements to help you out in this field. Another, you also need omega 3 amongst other supplements.
Then there is calcium. Calcium is most sought-after menopausal supplement due to its support of the bone density.
Menopause is mostly associated with loss of bone mass, so any mineral that can slow down this degradation is welcomed.
Ground flaxseed and contain omega-3 and lignans, which are ideal for lowering the breast cancer risks. They also bring relief from hot flushes.
According to a publication on the Cleveland Clinic website, black cohosh is yet another supplement ideal when you are experiencing menopausal effects.
But don’t take too many supplements because you can burden your kidneys.
All in all, we provided answers to the five exciting questions about sex drive and menopause. Understanding the connection between the two can help people learn more about their bodies and how age can have an impact on an individual’s life.
What Can I Take To Increase My Sex Drive During Menopause?
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycle stops and she is no longer able to conceive. This usually happens between the ages of 45-55 and is marked by a decrease in the levels of reproductive hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone. While menopause is a normal and inevitable process, it can bring about various changes in a woman’s body, including a decline in her sex drive or libido. This can be distressing for many women, as a healthy sex life is an important aspect of overall well-being and can also have an impact on their intimate relationships. Thankfully, there are various options available to increase sex drive during menopause. In this paper, we will discuss what can be done to boost libido during this phase of life.
1. Hormone Therapy:
Hormone therapy is a common treatment option for menopausal symptoms, including low sex drive. This therapy involves taking estrogen and/or progesterone to replace the hormones that the body is no longer producing. These hormones can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, which can contribute to a decreased sex drive. Estrogen can also help improve blood flow to the genital area, leading to increased sensation and lubrication, making sex more enjoyable. However, hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone, and it is essential to consult a doctor before considering this option.
2. Herbal Supplements:
Some herbs and supplements have been traditionally used to enhance libido and sexual function. These include ginseng, maca, tribulus terrestris, and ginkgo biloba. While there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness, some women have reported improved sexual desire and function after taking these supplements. It is crucial to note that these supplements may interact with other medications, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking them.
3. Lifestyle Changes:
Simple lifestyle changes can also help increase sex drive during menopause. Regular exercise, especially strength training, can boost testosterone levels, which can improve libido. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can also have a positive impact on sexual desire. Additionally, engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation, can also help improve sex drive.
4. Pelvic Floor Exercises:
The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in sexual function, and strengthening them can improve sexual sensation and desire. Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, can help improve blood flow to the genital area and increase sexual pleasure. These exercises can be easily done at home and are recommended for women of all ages, including those going through menopause.
5. Communication with Partner:
It is essential to communicate openly with your partner about the changes you are experiencing during menopause. This can help reduce any feelings of guilt or anxiety and create a supportive and understanding environment for addressing sexual issues. You can also try new things together, such as exploring different sexual positions or using lubricants to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
6. Therapy:
If a decrease in sex drive during menopause is causing significant distress, it is essential to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help address any underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to the decline in libido. They can also provide guidance on how to improve communication with your partner and suggest techniques for increasing sexual desire.
In conclusion, menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life that can bring about various changes, including a decrease in sex drive. However, this does not mean that women have to accept a decline in their sexual desire and function. There are various options available, such as hormone therapy, herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, communication with your partner, and therapy, that can help boost libido during menopause. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before trying any of these options and to remember that each woman’s experience with menopause is unique. With the right approach, women can maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life during and after menopause.
