The Menopause
How menopause can affect libido
Mood changes are so common during peri-menopause and menopause. So, it stands to reason that our libido can definitely take a knock during this time of life, too.
For many of us, the problem isn’t just feeling moody, but not being in the mood. Our attitudes towards sex and relationships can change drastically during the menopause for many different reasons, some psychological, some physiological.
It’s not easy to feel sexy, bold and excited about sex if you feel quite the opposite. Libido can considerably decline during the menopause, for reasons such as vaginal dryness – but there’s plenty we can do about it! Read on to find out more, and what we can do to improve our love life.
How menopause can affect libido
Falling testosterone levels
Lower levels of testosterone can affect many aspects of our lives. This hormone helps to boost mood, energy levels, concentration and libido. When levels of testosterone fall, sex becomes less appealing and less physically enjoyable, no matter how emotionally connected and attracted we are to our partner.
Read what you need to know about testosterone
How to increase testosterone levels
Taking testosterone is a highly personal choice (and not often commonly available on the NHS), but can help to support libido during menopause.
Though not all women find it helpful, for some it can be a lifesaver. It can help to clear brain fog and boost sex drive. Some women find themselves suddenly firing on all cylinders in the bedroom and the boardroom, while others find it can make them uncharacteristically argumentative.
The crucial factor here is the dose. Testosterone is usually prescribed as a gel and it’s often left up to you (in discussion with your doctor) as to how much to use. The most common amount is about pea-sized. If you start sprouting unwanted dark hairs on your chin, it may be time to scale back. On the other hand, if you’re heading away for a romantic weekend, you may decide to apply a little more…
Vaginal discomfort
The various physical changes we go through during the menopause can have a considerable effect on how we feel about sex. Not only our overall body image, but in specific areas too. Lower oestrogen levels reduce the collagen that keeps the vagina elastic and flexible. It may shrink and expand less easily, making spontaneity difficult. The vulva may become thin, dry and itchy, and you may notice a reddening and soreness. Our internal pH balance also changes. Now that oestrogen is no longer dominant, we may be at greater risk of recurrent vaginal infection such as thrush, UTIs, cystitis and itching.
Vaginal dryness is a very common symptom of the menopause – and not one we should find embarrassing. It’s not just about sex – even exercise regimes or activities such as cycling can be curtailed as a consequence. Treating it can bring a huge improvement to our quality of life and can also reignite our sex lives.
Exceptionally dry skin, lethargy and weight gain, as well as a low libido could also be caused by an underactive thyroid. This can be diagnosed by a blood test by your GP.
How to treat vaginal discomfort
Use gentle, non-scented soaps and pH-balanced washes to avoid irritation from cleaning – in fact, sometimes water is all that is needed. Synthetic chemical products, including biological washing powder, bath and shower gels plus scented panty liners may make the problem worse too. Wear cotton or natural-fibre underwear that fits well but isn’t too tight. The same goes for tights and clothing, especially jeans.
If thrush and itching is a recurrent problem, try eliminating sugar from your diet. This can trigger an overgrowth of yeast and contribute to itching. Boost your gut health with more cultured foods such as yoghurt and kefir.
Vaginal dryness
Probiotics in general really come into their own during the menopause. They’re not just for gut health, but for good vaginal and pelvic health. Taking a probiotic will increase the levels of good bacteria. This can also guard against thrush and vaginal and urinary infections that affect so many menopausal women. Try the strains L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri, which are believed to be especially effective here.
How to treat vaginal dryness
If sex becomes really tricky because of vaginal dryness, do see your GP. They can prescribe a topical oestrogen either as a pessary, cream or vaginal ring. Vaginal oestrogen is an effective treatment (different from HRT) although HRT alone can make a huge difference to this symptom if you’re able to take it. Body identical oestrogen (made from the wild yam) is widely available on the NHS and is the kind that’s found in all oestrogen creams and patches (but not the tablet form of HRT). You do not need an expensive private prescription for unregulated bio-identical hormones.
Download Liz’s guide The Truth about HRT
Lubricants are also helpful. Opt for one that is designed for the vagina – now is not the time to experiment with anything from the kitchen cupboard! Avoid overly synthetic or perfumed products, especially stimulating varieties, as these can cause further irritation. Check that the lube is between pH3.8 and pH4.5 as products that are too alkaline can also trigger thrush.
Quality not quantity
Good news – a study has found that while women and their partners report having lower libido after the menopause, the sex that they were having was the best of their lives! Many women feel sexually liberated after the menopause because they’re no longer at risk of getting pregnant. Having spent a lifetime getting to know our bodies, we likely to have a better understanding of how we work – and what we want when it comes to sex. This knowledge can help us feel more comfortable and secure in our relationships, so it can be an exciting time to explore sexually with your partner. Instead of worrying about how much sex we are having, focus on the quality instead.
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