Going through menopause can present a variety of challenges for women, and one of them is the impact on sex. Hormonal fluctuations during this phase can contribute to a loss of libido, interfering with intimacy. Embracing effective treatments, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), becomes essential to address menopause and sex-related concerns.
During menopause, the two hormones responsible for sex drive in the body, estrogen, and testosterone, decline, leading to physical and emotional changes that can interfere with relationships and intimacy. As estrogen declines, vaginal dryness can reduce sexual pleasure, making it painful to engage in sex, leading many women to wonder what they can do.
The Connection Between Hormones, Menopause and Sex
When a woman stops having periods for about one year, she is considered to be in menopause. Leading up to this stage of life, hormone levels start to change, the supply of mature eggs in the ovaries diminishes, and ovulation becomes irregular. During this time, the production of progesterone and estrogen drops, which causes the symptoms of menopause to begin.
Menopause brings on various symptoms, such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Pain during sex
- Depression
Which can lead women to lose interest in sex and cause issues in their intimate relationships. (1)
Common Misconceptions of Female Sexual Health During Menopause
Even though all women will go through menopause, it's not usually a topic of open conversation, which leads many women to believe some of the misconceptions they may hear. While women can always discuss any concerns with their medical provider, it can be intimidating, which is why menopausal myths exist.
One of the common misconceptions about menopause and libido is that women don't want to have sex, which, although it may be true for some, can be due to how you feel during menopause.
A common symptom of menopause is hot flashes. While you may picture a woman soaking wet and dripping on the floor, that's not usually the case. Hot flashes are the sudden and intense feeling of heat that feels like it starts on the inside of your upper body. It's felt in the face, neck, and chest and can cause redness, sweating, and chills afterward. (2)
The most unnerving part about hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and weight gain, is they can come on without warning. When you feel uncomfortable in your body, it can interfere with the desire for sex. It doesn't mean you've lost interest or don't want it. It can mean you don't feel comfortable in your body and may have lost confidence.
Hormonal Changes and Intimacy
Sexual desire in women is affected by estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. During menopause, hormone levels naturally decline. Estrogen promotes vaginal lubrication and increased libido; progesterone can decrease desire, as does low testosterone.
Testosterone's Role in Women's Libido
Although testosterone is considered to be a male hormone, women have it as well in smaller amounts. Testosterone drives a woman's desire and thoughts about sex as well as fantasy. Like men, women's testosterone levels diminish with age. This can affect libido, decrease muscle mass and energy and decrease vaginal sensitivity, which may cause low sex drive. (3)
The role of Testosterone in women is essential for various aspects of health and includes: (4)
- Sex drive and Libido. During menopause, hormone levels drop, including testosterone, which can reduce sex drive.
- Bone health. Balanced testosterone levels help to strengthen bones, so when levels drop, bones can weaken, putting women at risk of fractures.
- Cognitive health. Declining hormone levels can alter the brain and interfere with mental health.
Estrogen and Libido
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. Its principal function is developing female sexual characteristics, such as the development of breasts and regulating the menstrual cycle. The adrenal glands and ovaries produce estrogen, and while both men and women have the hormone, women produce more of it. When estrogen levels decrease, the blood supply to the vagina drops, leading to vaginal dryness, which causes discomfort during sex.
If that wasn't enough, the other symptoms of menopause, such as weight gain, sleep disturbances, and mood changes, can cause women to be uncomfortable in their own bodies and exhausted, reducing the desire for sex. (5)
Can Natural Supplements For Libido
Many women dealing with menopause and the symptoms that go along with it just aren't ready to give up on sex and may seek natural alternatives to help. While there are plenty of supplements promoting increased libido, it's the combined ingredients of natural herbs, vitamins and minerals that may boost sexual desire by increasing blood flow and circulation.
A few that are popular include: (6)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone the adrenal glands produce that helps synthesize testosterone.
- L-arginine may help to expand blood vessels in the clitoris, assisting in arousal.
- Ashwagandha may enhance lubrication and libido, leading to a more satisfying experience.
Libido and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
One symptom that is often ignored by women going through menopause is their low sex drive. With all the changes menopause brings on, it's often dismissed as just another symptom. But for women who are dissatisfied with their lack of libido, hormone replacement therapy may be a promising option.
While low sex drive is a common and treatable symptom, research shows that of the menopausal women aged 57 to early 70 surveyed, only about half enjoyed a sexually active lifestyle. Of those women, they were active less than twice a month. (7)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can make a world of difference when treating the symptoms of menopause. The benefits include:
- Improved sleep
- Relieves hot flashes and night sweats
- Reduce vaginal dryness
- Improves sexual health
- Reduces weight gain
If you have lost interest in sex due to vaginal dryness that's causing painful intercourse or a low libido, it's essential to talk with your healthcare professional to see if hormone replacement therapy may be right for you.
HRT, Menopause, and Sex
It's important to keep in mind that everyone has different views and feelings about sex. One person may be satisfied with sex less often than someone else, so it's essential to do what's right for you.
If menopause symptoms are more than you can take, there are treatments that can help. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help to minimize symptoms and restore lubrication to increase the enjoyment of sex.
