A typical side effect of menopause, nevertheless, is decreased desire, which is a result of lower estrogen and testosterone levels. Certain hormonal changes may also lead to vaginal dryness, itchy skin, and pain, making intimacy uncomfortable. Most women find that their pain lessens when their hormones are returned to normal.
Passion usually (but not always) fades with age. In general, the sex drive decreases slowly with age in both men and women, but women are two to three times more prone to be hit by a drop in sex drive as they age. Decreased sex drive becomes much more widespread for women beginning in their late 40s and 50s.
The impact of age also differs by the woman; some women feel a tremendous decrease in sexual desire starting in their midlife years, others notice no change, and a few report increased desire in sex at midlife. Women whose desire increases may feel liberated by their new freedom from contraception or by newly found privacy if their children have recently left home.
A healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your desire following menopause. Set aside time for a “date night” to rekindle the love. Try to relax the mind. Getting in the mood can be difficult if sex is painful for you—but it doesn’t have to be.
One of the chief reasons is dryness. If vaginal dryness is creating pain during relations, try using a silicone-based intimate cream or a vaginal moisturizer. If this does not correct the condition, you may want to check with a gynecologist to see if vaginal estrogen therapy is needed.
Vaginal drying can be treated with the use of herbal creams. Natural estrogen creams are approved for relieving menopausal symptoms. Applying natural olive oil can ease the symptoms of dyspareunia, which is difficult or painful sexual intercourse. Considering the fact that oil traps moisture and keeps the skin elastic, more and more women prefer to use it as a sexual lubricant.
Some women do not tolerate pharmaceutical compounds well while others have objections to taking man-made drugs. Whether you agree or disagree, many hormonal drugs have unfavorable side effects, and they can also be costly.
Women exploring alternatives often turn to plant-based substitutes such as plant-based estrogen creams. However, there are a few challenges when using such creams. First of all, most plant-based products and herbal products work holistically.
Unlike prescription drugs, which deliver effective doses with immediate effects, plant-based products may take weeks to work. Also, unless made by a well-known herbal company with strict manufacturing rules, the amount and quality of the plant ingredients may vary from batch to batch. This can make it even harder for women to estimate the effectiveness of the product.
Foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, lean proteins, and whole grains can increase your energy level. Supplements that have worked for me are vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids. Also, regular workouts can improve circulation and blood flow, increase energy level, elevate mood, and increase interest in intimacy. Even low-impact exercise such as yoga or brisk walking can provide these benefits.
Reminder: the information I post is based on my life experience and is informational. Do your research!
