Perimenopause is when women are near menopause and experience different moods and bodily changes, such as low sexual drive. But people wonder if this is the case and if perimenopause and low sex drive are linked.
Perimenopause is described as the period before a woman reaches menopause, and usually, take a couple of years – four years on average. Note that the Perimenopause period may differ from one woman to another. For some, it may last for years, while for others just a few months.
It may begin anywhere after 35 years or sometimes earlier depending upon your lifestyle choices and other medical complications. During this period, a woman begins to experience the most common symptoms of menopause. Since Perimenopause happens when a woman still has her monthly periods, it may be a period characterized by a lot of confusion. Such confusion often leads women to believe that they have hit menopause which isn’t actually the case and the fact that they are just going through a transitional phase is dealt with a lot of misconceptions ultimately leading to immense psychological effects.
The fluctuations of hormones during the Perimenopause stage may lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, weight gain, and increased headaches. Other symptoms of Perimenopause include vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, increased PMS, hot flushes, night sweats and changing periods regarding the duration of the period or the cycle length. Decreased sex drive is yet another symptom of Perimenopause.
Women find it not only disappointing but also frustrating, especially when it is interfering with a person’s relationship. It may take a while before a woman realizes what is happening to her body, especially because this stage comes several years before menopause. Thankfully, your doctor can help you determine if you are entering the Perimenopause phase of your life by conducting several tests.
So, what is the relationship between Perimenopause stage and sex drive?
Among the major causes of low libido during the perimenopause stage is a dip in progesterone – a hormone linked to ovulation. The majority of women – in the absence of any physical problems – experience a surge in sex drives around the ovulation time due to increased levels of progesterone.
So, the problem comes in when ovulation stops being consistent due to Perimenopause. A woman begins to experience anovulatory cycles where they have menses, but they don’t ovulate. Therefore, the absence of ovulation means that the progesterone levels do not rise. This, in turn, translates to diminished interest in sex and libido.
Perimenopause is also characterized by lower levels of estrogen than before hitting this stage. When the amount of estrogen being produced by the body is low, a woman stops feeling the same pleasure from both physical touch and sexual intercourse. Besides, estrogen is responsible for putting you in the mood for sex.
Further, the absence of sufficient amounts of estrogen may lead to vaginal dryness and the thinning of the vaginal tissue, which makes sex not only uncomfortable but also painful for a good number of women. Painful sex is never pleasurable. It makes a woman disinterred in sex, and this has the potential to kill her sexual desire.
Imbalance in testosterone
Testosterone is mostly thought of as a male hormone. However, women also have but in lower quantities. In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries in small amount and helps in maintaining the overall health of the female sex organs along with the dominant female sex hormone which is estrogen. When a woman enters Perimenopause, the levels of testosterone reduce even more. Also known as a sex hormone, testosterone plays a significant role in a woman’s sex drive.
As such, significantly lower levels mean that her sex drive also takes a drop. Testosterone is also fundamental to vaginal lubrication, and just like estrogen, reduced levels leads to vaginal dryness which causes discomfort or pain during sex.
Perimenopause is obviously enough grief. So, when you bring in the struggles of low sex drive, the situation could become unbearable. Do not let the situation get out of hand. Initial symptoms should be immediately acknowledged and should be followed by corrective measures. Speak to your doctor to help you understand how to deal with this change. Your doctor may also recommend hormone replacement therapy that involves the use of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone creams.
Besides offering the above treatments, your doctor will recommend lifestyle adjustments. Some lifestyle factors have been linked to low sex drive during Perimenopause. They include;
- If you are a cigarette smoker, it is advisable that you quit at the earliest opportunity. Alcohol is also not good for your libido. These substances are known to constrict blood flow and in turn, negatively interfere with the overall health and functioning of the vascular system. Smoking and drinking are also associated with a decrease in estrogen and in hormone imbalance which leads to poor performance in the bed.
- Consume foods that contain good fats. Foods like avocados, cheddar cheese, olive oil, eggs, nuts such as cashew, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts contain healthy fats. Fatty fishes like tuna and salmon are rich in protein, good fats and also have a huge amount of Omega-3. Omega 3 fatty acids are critical to the functioning of the cell membranes. You need enough levels of cholesterol for your body to generate sufficient amounts of sex hormones.
- Engage in regular exercises to ensure a strong heart and in turn, increase the flow of blood to all the relevant tissues. Regular exercises also stimulate the release of endorphins and as well as serotonin levels that play a crucial role in your sex drive.
Ensure that the body tissues are adequately hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water. When your brain is dehydrated, it is impossible for you to experience sexual fantasies. Proper hydration cleanses your body inside and out, max up your physical performance in every aspect and also helps in vaginal lubrication.
In essence, the discussion was about perimenopause, and low sexual desires were elaborated. In this regard, we hope the information associated with these two factors can help people make wise decisions to maintain their sexual desire.
Ask Us Questions Related To Perimenopause And Low Sexual Desire
What is the relation between low libido and menopause?
A woman’s ovary produces eggs at about day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. This bodily activity favors a woman to get pregnant and remain in high libido with sufficient production of estrogen and progesterone hormone. Menopause lowers down sex drive because ovaries stop producing eggs. Studies say that many women still have satisfying sex beyond menopause with a change in their lifestyle.
How can a woman overcome low libido post-menopause?
Your children are grown-up and settled in their life so you have sufficient time for exercising. Be regular in your exercising schedule. It boosts your mood and enhances stamina. Such changes in your body increase your libido and you crave a romantic hug of your husband. Communicate with your partner how you want to add spice in your married life. Such a drive would make your married life more blissful that earlier.
Which new trait is emerging in our women’s minds with respect to their menopause?
A different trait is spreading in society. Women are becoming more prone to sex enjoyment after menopause. The fear of unwanted pregnancy fades out totally with menopause. It motivates them to add spice in their married life and be romantic once again like newly-wed couples.
Do family beliefs have any relevance with low libido?
Sometimes a woman’s family beliefs and values temper down her expectations about sexual activity. Adopting a new hobby can break that hurdles. It helps a woman to spend time with her. Gradually, she becomes more positive about sex. She thinks that she has brought up her kids but not old for romance.
How can vaginal dryness be cured at home?
The decrease in sex hormones leads to vaginal dryness in women. You can apply oil here before initiating intimacy with your partner. Watching intimate scenes also provokes sex drive in your moods. Share your desires with your partner. This can help you to enjoy pleasant sex.
Can perimenopause cost low sexual desire in a woman?
Perimenopause can cause lower sexual desire in women, being the stage the woman undergoes before menopause, the ability of the hormones in the woman’s body to function, fluctuates during perimenopause and this situation aside causing issues such as irritability, headaches and mood swings for the woman, can also affect her sexual desire and libido as the hormones are not stable at this point.
A lot of reasons are responsible for this low sexual desire seen in women as a result of perimenopause this includes ovulation, a woman’s sex drive is often at the highest around the time of her ovulation, during the period of perimenopause ovulation does not come regularly for the woman and research has shown that a lack of ovulation, reduces a woman’s ability to respond to pleasure, as the body cannot respond as it used to when regular ovulation is experienced.
Another leading cause of low libido in women during perimenopause is a decrease in the progesterone level of the woman, the progesterone level which helps a woman to develop a greater desire for sex decreases during perimenopause resulting to a decline and decrease level for sex. perimenopause is a medical condition and when experienced seeking advice from the doctor or a sex therapist is best advised in other to retain sexual activeness.
Can perimenopause cause lower estrogen levels in women?
The same way the progesterone level decreases in women during perimenopause, so also does estrogen levels for women. The resultant effect that comes with a reduced estrogen level in women is that the level of pleasure felt by the woman from physical touch and sexual intercourse reduces making it difficult for the woman to desire sex more.
The estrogen level is responsible for elevating mood in women, making the woman interested in sex, the lack of estrogen can also cause dryness of the vaginal and also reduce the size of the vaginal tissue, which makes intercourse painful and uncomfortable for most women. This pain reduces a woman’s desire for sex.
Tackling Loss Of Sex Drive During Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, when a woman’s body starts to produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to the end of her menstrual cycle. This phase typically begins in a woman’s late 40s or early 50s and can last for several years. During this time, women may experience a range of physical and emotional changes, including a decrease in sex drive.
Loss of sex drive, also known as low libido, is a common symptom of perimenopause. It can be caused by hormonal changes, physical discomforts, and psychological factors. Many women may feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss this issue, but it is important to understand that it is a normal part of the perimenopause journey.
The first step in tackling loss of sex drive during perimenopause is to understand the root cause. As mentioned earlier, hormonal changes play a significant role in this symptom. Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female sex hormones, and their levels start to decline during perimenopause. These hormones are responsible for maintaining a healthy sex drive, and their decrease can lead to a decreased libido.
Another hormonal factor that can contribute to loss of sex drive during perimenopause is an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. FSH is responsible for stimulating the production of estrogen, but during perimenopause, the ovaries become less responsive to FSH, resulting in lower estrogen levels. This can cause physical changes, such as vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable and less enjoyable.
Besides hormonal changes, physical discomforts can also contribute to a decreased libido during perimenopause. As women age, they may experience changes in their reproductive organs, such as thinning of the vaginal walls and reduced blood flow to the genitals. These changes can lead to discomfort during sex, making it less desirable.
Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can also play a role in loss of sex drive during perimenopause. The physical and hormonal changes can be overwhelming for some women, leading to a decreased desire for intimacy. Additionally, the societal stigma around aging and sexuality can also contribute to feelings of shame and embarrassment, causing women to avoid talking about their low libido.
There are several ways to tackle the loss of sex drive during perimenopause. The first step is to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your low libido and provide treatment options. They may also suggest hormone therapy, such as estrogen therapy, to help balance your hormone levels and improve your sex drive.
In addition to medical interventions, there are lifestyle changes that can help improve your libido during perimenopause. Regular exercise can help boost your energy levels and improve your mood, which can positively impact your sex drive. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can also help improve your overall well-being and potentially increase your desire for intimacy.
Communication with your partner is also crucial in tackling loss of sex drive during perimenopause. Openly discussing your feelings and concerns can help reduce any tension or misunderstandings and foster a deeper emotional connection. Experimenting with new ways of intimacy, such as trying different positions or incorporating sensual activities, can also help reignite the spark in your sex life.
Furthermore, using lubricants during sex can help ease any physical discomforts caused by vaginal dryness. There are also over-the-counter products, such as vaginal moisturizers, that can help improve the elasticity and moisture of the vaginal walls. If these options do not provide relief, your healthcare provider may prescribe vaginal estrogen therapy.
In conclusion, loss of sex drive during perimenopause is a common and normal part of the aging process. It is essential to understand the underlying causes and seek help from your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for you. By making lifestyle changes, communicating with your partner, and possibly using medical interventions, you can tackle this symptom and maintain a fulfilling and enjoyable sex life during perimenopause. Remember, it is never too late to prioritize your sexual health and well-being.
