LIBIDO in MID LIFE AND MENOPAUSE

Feel like your desire has disappeared?  Well there's a few things you need to know.  

You're not imagining it, You're not alone and you're not broken.  Let's start with unpacking the reasons your libido might be low.  
 
  • Hormones and Contraception
  • Genitourinary (that's bladder/ vulva/ vagina/womb) health
  • Medications 
  • Medical conditions
  • The backdrop to desire.

HORMONES

Have you been using hormonal contraception for years or recently started HRT?  Hormones themselves and changes in them can directly affect your libido.  Think of Oestrogen like the nourishing keeping young hormone, Testosterone lights the spark of your libido and Progesterone is our relaxing comforting hormone.  Any change whether through stopping or altering long term contraception or through natural decline in hormones which occurs at mid life can affect all these messengers.

GU syndrome

Does sex feel uncomfortable, dry, or even painful? If it hurts, it makes sense you don't want it.  Vaginal dryness and urinary issues can be treated — and no, you don't have to just “put up with it.”

Medications

Are you taking antidepressants, antihistamines, or blood pressure meds?  Certain medications can impact your sexual response - and many women aren't warned.  Just take note of wants going on because you do have options.

Medical conditions

Thyroid issues. Diabetes. Autoimmune conditions.  Fatigue, pain, and hormonal disruption all affect libido.  Getting to the root is key - not just treating the symptom.  Of course symptom management is important too.

The back drop to libido

Low confidence? Resentment in your relationship? Exhausted by life?  Libido isn't just physical - it's emotional, too.  If you don't feel connected, seen, or safe… desire struggles to show up.