When it comes to the changes you experience around menopause, there’s usually one factor at play: your hormones. And there’s no greater ‘fluctuator’ and cause of symptoms quite like those brought on by fluctuating hormone levels.

Estrogen is one of the female sex hormones that make us, well, women! Menopause is a natural part of human sexuality, marking the end of our childbearing and menstruating years. As we leave these years behind, our estrogen levels and testosterone also begin to take a back seat, causing us many of the uncomfortable and often taboo symptoms of menopause. Like painful sex, vaginal dryness and diminished libido. Menopause-related symptoms are often considered sexual taboos, leading to social discomfort and avoidance in discussions.

Understanding Menopause and Libido

Menopause is a natural biological process that typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It’s a significant transition marked by profound hormonal changes that can affect various aspects of life, including sexual desire. Understanding these changes can help demystify the process and break down the sexual taboos surrounding menopause.

What happens to libido during menopause?

During menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body decrease significantly. Estrogen, in particular, plays a crucial role in regulating sexual desire. As its levels drop, many women experience a noticeable decrease in libido. This hormonal shift can also lead to physical symptoms like vaginal dryness and decreased lubrication, making sexual activities less comfortable and sometimes even painful. These changes can understandably impact your enthusiasm for sex, but knowing the cause is the first step toward finding solutions.

How does menopause affect sex drive?

Menopause can affect sex drive in various ways. For some women, the hormonal changes lead to a decrease in libido. However, others might find that the freedom from menstrual cycles and the ability to focus on their own desires can actually increase their sexual interest. It’s a mixed bag, and every woman’s experience is unique. On the flip side, physical symptoms like vaginal dryness and pain during sex can make sexual activities less enjoyable, which can negatively impact your sex drive. The key is to find what works for you and to communicate openly with your partner and healthcare provider.

Common myths about menopause and sex

There are several myths surrounding menopause and sex that need debunking. One of the most prevalent is the idea that menopause marks the end of a woman’s sex life. This couldn’t be further from the truth. With the right mindset, communication, and medical treatment, women can continue to have a fulfilling sex life during and after menopause. Another common myth is that menopause is a taboo topic and should not be discussed openly. However, breaking down these cultural norms and talking openly about your experiences can help you navigate the challenges of menopause and maintain a healthy sexual relationship.

Does menopause affect my sexual desire?

You may have simply lost the desire or are struggling with specific physical changes in the genital area, like thinning, dryness and irritation of the vagina walls, which are making sex unpleasurable. Not to mention unpleasant urinary symptoms that can occur.

Sexual health can change as menopause progresses; the most common issues reported are a decrease in sexual desire (40–55%), difficulty with lubrication (25–30%), and painful intercourse (12–45%), so if you’re suffering from these symptoms, you’re really not alone. Additionally, menopause can lead to changes in sexual behaviors, affecting how individuals experience and engage in sexual activities.

Below, we explore some sex-related conditions brought on by perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause and treatments you may wish to investigate to alleviate them.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GMS)

GMS is a relatively new and blanket term used to describe the changes in the vagina and vulva, bladder, urethra and pelvic floor tissues due to a decline in estrogen. Historically, it has been known as vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA).

A loss of elastin, hyaluronic acid and collagen due to decreased estrogen production causes tissues to become dry, thin and fragile. This dryness can lead to vaginal dryness, burning, itching, and sometimes, bleeding. This can make for an awfully uncomfortable, often distressing, and at times embarrassing experience, most often for women in the post-menopausal phase.

Like a domino effect, reduced estrogen then leads to changes of the vaginal pH and microbiome, where recurrent thrush, UTIs, frequent urination and vaginal discharge can become more common. It may at times be painful to have sex, understandably leaving you feeling less enthusiastic about sex than before.

Suggested therapies for GMS or vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA)

• Menopause-specific medications prescribed by your doctor.
• Non-hormonal treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises, specific vaginal moisturisers, and lubricants, may also assist with burning, itching and uncomfortable intercourse.
• Use a fragrance-free, pH-balancing intimate wash that won't disrupt vaginal flora.

Whether your suffering from some of the GMS symptoms, or you're feeling like you're simply stuck in an intimacy rut based on how you're feeling, there are ways you can help regain your desire and drive and the pleasurable aspects of sexual intercourse. Let's discover how.

Low libido caused by menopause

Estrogen makes us feel sensual and sexual. In our menstruating years, it peaks at ovulation, making us feel more sexually attractive. When it fluctuates, so does a drop in blood supply to our genitals and, thus, our desire to be intimate with our partners and enjoy sex. Coupled with the changes we are going through, it’s common for our body image and mindset to dive.

This is especially evident if we are experiencing frequent hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, insomnia, fatigue and brain fog – all symptoms brought on by fluctuating hormones. These experiences can affect our quality of life and ‘feeling ourselves’, leaving sex far from our minds. Menopause can also influence our sexual fantasies, making it important to explore and communicate these changes with our partners.

Vaginal dryness and atrophy can also occur due to decreased estrogen production, meaning sex we once enjoyed may become painful and sometimes even dreaded when we reach post-menopause.

Combined, these physiological and emotional aspects can make for a wholly upsetting and frustrating experience. Menopause can also impact sexual relationships, making open communication crucial to navigate these changes and maintain intimacy. The good news is that there are ways to bring back some of the magic.

Suggested therapies for low libido and sexual pleasure in menopause

Doctor prescribed menopause medications have been shown to improve many menopausal symptoms, but there are also other options you may want to consider. Try one or try them all; it's often a combination of several that sees the best results.

• Mindfulness, relaxation techniques and surrounding yourself with people and activities that make you feel good will help you gain more confidence and influence a positive mindset to feel better about yourself while navigating this stage.

• A natural supplement designed to support sexual wellbeinglike our best selling Libido support capsules a powerful blend of natural actives, adaptogens, vitamin A, and zinc, shown to improve arousal, increase sexual desire, and help alleviate vaginal dryness.

• Intimate activities with your partner, such as massage, gentle touch, relaxing baths, and manual stimulation, may, either by themselves or in conjunction with treatment, increase your sexual desire in menopause.

Chat with your doctor or menopause sepecialist if your sex life is getting you down and affecting your relationship with your partner. Your GP can work with you to achieve the right balance and appropriate therapies to allow you to start feeling like yourself again.

Remember, there's still a lot of living to do. Bringing the joy and excitement back to your life is vital to living well through this age with greater awareness and acceptance.  

Discover our range of evidence-based supplements, developed with mind and body nutrients to address the most common symptoms and support your body and your needs before, during, and after this transitionary life stage 

Breaking Down the Taboo

Despite the prevalence of menopause, it remains a taboo topic in many cultures. The stigma surrounding menopause and sex can make it difficult for women to discuss their experiences and seek help. This cultural norm of silence can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. It’s essential to break down these sexual taboos and encourage open conversations about menopause and its impact on sexual behavior. By doing so, we can create a more supportive environment where women feel empowered to seek the help they need and continue to enjoy a fulfilling sex life. Remember, talking about what is considered taboo can often be the first step toward finding solutions and reclaiming your sexual pleasure and arousal.

 

This article has been reviewed by our expert advisory team.