You know how it goes. From across the room, your significant other gives you that look (insert salacious eyebrow waggle here), but you just aren't in the mood.
Is it sexy time…again? What do you do?
Do you give in, despite the fact that you're cozy and comfortable, all snuggled up in your plush, warm blankets, or do you play naïve, roll over, and just go back to sleep?
If you feel the need to give in to their desires, despite your lack of sex drive, trust us, you’re not alone!
And while there's nothing wrong with using lube and other things to make sex a bit more enjoyable, you're probably wondering where your sex drive went speeding off to and if it’s ever coming back.
But not to worry – menopause leaves women feeling sexually unmotivated all over the world, every day. It’s 100% not your fault, but the key is to understand what’s causing your lack of sex drive, so you kick your desires into gear in the bedroom – at least every once in a while!
Lower Hormone Levels
Once menopause hits, your hormones call it quits. Yes, that rhymes, but it's also very true. The amount of estrogen in your body declines rapidly, causing a number of uncomfortable problems, like vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive.
Other symptoms include hot flashes, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and more. Yes, we know – it all sounds like a bundle of fun, doesn’t it?
But that’s not all - not only do your estrogen levels drop, but other hormones, like testosterone and progesterone end up in flux as well. Believe it or not, women do have some testosterone in their bodies – it’s not just for men. And this hormone has a direct impact on your libido, and over time, your decreased levels begin to negatively affect you.
Like everything else, your testosterone levels peak when you're in your 20s and begin to decline from there. These shifting and fleeting hormonal levels contribute to your lack of interest in sex. See? We told you it wasn’t your fault!
Progesterone, on the other hand, plays a role in the length and frequency of your periods. It also plays a role in your sexual health, as its sole job is to get your body ready for pregnancy. (Did you ever notice that you used to get a little more into sex while you were ovulating? That's the progesterone talking!)
But since you won't have a cycle anymore after menopause, your progesterone levels drop, wreaking havoc on your sex drive and leaving you with that “I’m not in the mood” attitude.
Finding a Solution
So, in short, thank you, hormones! Because of your hormonal imbalances during menopause, your sex drive takes a nosedive straight into the toilet. But the good news is that there are a few things that you can try in order to “give your engine a little gas” and start feeling a little more like yourself:
Lube
Never tried it before? Not to worry! The simplest (and least expensive) solution for vaginal dryness and a more enjoyable sexual rendezvous is lube. A little lube goes a long way and can make sex much more pleasurable for both you and your partner.
Although this simple trick won’t necessarily improve your attitude towards sex, once you begin enjoying a little pleasurable fun again, you may want to take your sex drive for a spin more often.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Although some women balk at the thought of putting chemical versions of these missing hormones in their bodies, they do help reduce your menopausal symptoms and revive your sex drive. Obviously, this is something that you'll need to discuss with a medical professional.
All Natural Solution
Want an all-natural solution? Great! There are menopause support teas that help improve and reduce symptoms of menopause and help rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
These herbal brews of magic can truly shift your sex drive into high gear – or at least get you out of “park.” One cup a day is all you’ll need to reduce many of the pesky side effects of menopause.
With fluctuating hormones, hot flashes, and menopausal weight gain, it’s no wonder your sex drive has taken a backseat. But the race isn’t over! Although nothing can bring back your 20s, you can still hop back into the driver's seat when it comes to restoring your sex drive! Vroom, vroom!
