Menopause - Keep Your Drive Alive

If you think romance is over after menopause, think again. While there are many reasons midlife women might feel "in the mood" less often, there are also ways you can bring back that lovin' feeling. If you are concerned that your sex drive has slowed - or that sex has become painful - seeing your doctor might be just what you need to reactivate your libido.

Testosterone: It's Not Just for Men

As women age, their testosterone levels drop. (Testosterone is a hormone that helps drive sexual desire.) By the time a woman reaches her forties, her testosterone level is half of what it was in her twenties. For some, rebalancing testosterone may help restore interest in sex. Cedars-Sinai is actively doing research in this area.

Please, Bring Back the Estrogen

Estrogen is another hormone that drops off as women mature and ovulation stops. This can cause vaginal tissues to shrink and become dry, resulting in painful sex. Treating vaginal dryness with oral or topical estrogens or over-the-counter vaginal lubricants can help.

Address Underlying Conditions

As women age, the overall state of their health can affect the enjoyment of sex. For example, heavy menstrual bleeding in the years leading up to menopause can can lead to anemia (an iron deficiency) that may trigger fatigue. Hypothyroidism is another condition that can impact sex drive. Once such underlying conditions are addressed, you might just find your sex life also improves.

Staying Connected in Mind, Body and Relationships

According to Glenn D. Braunstein, MD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, menopause can also have an emotional impact that affects sex drive. "For some women, saying good-bye to their child-bearing years, coupled with issues like retirement planning, 'empty nesting' and noticing other signs of aging, can lead to depression ," says Dr. Braunstein. Take time to notice and think about what you are feeling, and if you are concerned, talk to your doctor.

Stay Connected with Your Partner

Finally, recognize that loss of interest and enjoyment in sex may not be just about you. Your partner may also be going through physical and emotional changes that can lead to relationship doldrums and dampened libido. Taking time to reconnect through talking and physical contact can help you both decide whether or not less sex is a problem. Things do not necessarily have to stay the same in a relationship to be good or healthy.

Resources at Cedars-Sinai

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