Although some would disagree, loss of libido is not guaranteed as the menopausal journey advances. It is more that libido may shift and change, becoming different from what it used to be in younger years.
There are many factors that impact libido beyond hormonal changes – relationship issues, energy levels, stress and life changes, body image, weight, chronic illness, medications…sometimes a healthy approach is to redefine intimacy.
Notable Quotes
It is a challenge to explain to my husband that the lack of interest in sex is not about me not wanting him, it is about my own hormones causing me to have a low sex drive.
Sandra
I think the loss of libido is challenging.
M.J.
The loss of libido is the hardest part. I feel like an uninteresting version of my younger self that is shriveling up and drying up from the inside out.
Carolyn
Libido is fine. Orgasm much more difficult.
Isabelle
I have less sexual desire. Is there research into a woman’s version of Viagra?
Leigh
More Information
Blog posts tagged as libido concerns: Videos tagged as libido concerns:Additional Video Links
Resources:
- Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life (revised 2021) by Emily Nagoski, PhD is a great resource on mindfulness, desire and pleasure.
- Sex, Intimacy, and Menopause: A Gynecologist’s Guide for Men is a book that came out in 2015 but is still helpful in many ways.
- How Sex Changes After Menopause is an article from Johns Hopkins Medicine that is a quick read on some of the basics.
- JAMA’s quick read “Dyspareunia in Women” (April 2022) is a very helpful summary of many contributors to painful sex, which certainly impacts libido (brain-body connection).
- A great book written by 3 physicians (March 2023): “A Woman’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?”
- A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex, by Laurie Mintz, PhD is a 2009 book that stands the test of time.
Wild Card: Since the sensory experience is a part of libido (brain-connection to vaginal sensation and arousal), products can be of some help such as Queen Bee vaginal moisturizer/personal lubricant and Vajuvenate vulvar cream. Also valid: topical estrogen such as prescription Estradiol and vaginal insert tablets like Vagifem. There’s an app for that—explore the erotica section of the Rosy app!