Low Sex Drive And Menopause: For Women Frustrated By Low Sex Drive In Menopause Testosterone Treatments Offer A Solution

Menopause Doesn’t Have To Signal The End Of Your Sex Drive. 

Menopause is a completely natural experience. For most women, it’s a slow transition that can last for several years. Typically, it culminates around the age of 50-55 with the end of menstruation and a significant change in hormone production. But, contrary to popular (patriarchal) understanding, the end of fertility doesn’t mean the end of vitality and sexuality.

Many women experience a decline in sex drive during and after menopause. But, often, this is a temporary change resulting from the uncomfortable symptoms menopause can bring. Hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness don’t easily foster a strong sex drive. (Though, for the record, many of these symptoms can be managed by addressing hormone levels—specifically estrogen.)

For some women, the lack of sexual desire is linked to a steeper-than-usual decline in testosterone levels.

A lack of interest in sex can have a real impact on a woman’s self-confidence, self-image and on her relationship with a spouse or romantic partner. Still strong, independent and vital, menopausal women who experience a loss of sexual desire can feel lost and frustrated.

Fortunately, if low testosterone levels are at the root of the issue, there are treatment options available. By bringing hormone levels back into balance you can restore a healthy sex drive and enjoy positive and pleasurable sex during and after menopause.

Testosterone Levels Influence Sex Drive In Women, Too. 

Testosterone is not a hormone exclusive to men. Women also use and produce testosterone—albeit in smaller amounts than their male counterparts. Testosterone is an androgen hormone produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It makes up a small but important part of the natural hormone cocktail that regulates a woman’s mood, cognitive function, energy levels and sex drive.

According to Susan Davis, author and researcher at Monash University in Australia, “Testosterone acts directly in the brain and influences sexual functioning at a central level (sexual desire, fantasy, thoughts, etc.) and it also increases blood flow to the genitalia so women are more likely to feel a sensation of arousal and orgasm[.]”

Testosterone Levels Drop As Women Age. 

As women age, the production of “sex hormones” declines. This includes estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. During menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly. But, the decline in testosterone production tends to be a more gradual process.

This change in hormone levels is experienced differently by every woman. Some are very sensitive to the decline in testosterone. For others, the effect is minimal.

Sexual Frustration: It’s OK To Acknowledge The Distress The Loss Of Desire Can Cause. 

For the women who experience it, a decline or loss of sex drive during menopause can be a real concern.  It can be frustrating, stressful and even confusing. Whatsmore, losing interest in sex can have a negative impact on a marriage or intimate relationship.

Sexuality and sensuality are important parts of a woman’s self-identity at any age. And, while it may not be talked about as much or in the same way as it is for men, a change in sexual desire or performance can have deep emotional effects. This is especially true for women adjusting to the other physical and emotional changes that come with menopause and ageing.

Low Sex Drive Is Only One Sign Of Low Testosterone In Women. 

Low sex drive on its own is not enough to indicate low testosterone levels. Before moving to address low sex drive with a TRT treatment, your healthcare provider will want to assess your hormone levels and check for other signs and symptoms of low testosterone.

In addition to low sex drive or lack of sexual enjoyment, the following symptoms are common when a woman has low testosterone levels:

• Low energy and fatigue

• Trouble sleeping

• Weight gain

• Vaginal dryness

• Loss of bone density

Conditions like depression, chronic stress and menopause itself can also cause these symptoms. So, a discussion about medical history, lifestyle and bloodwork to check testosterone and other hormone levels are always recommended before coming to a diagnosis.

Treating Low Sex Drive In Menopause With Testosterone Is Safe And Effective

If low testosterone is at the root of a woman’s loss of libido, the topical application of compounded testosterone creams has been proven to be very effective.

In a recent Global Position Statement, the International Menopause Society stated that “testosterone can be effective at improving sexual wellbeing for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD).” They continued to say that the benefits of treating low sex drive in menopause with testosterone included “improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pleasure, together with reduced concerns and distress about sex.”

Your healthcare provider can formulate a testosterone gel for topical application. A little goes a long way. In most cases, a small pea-sized amount of gel or cream is applied to the skin and rubbed in daily for a recommended period of time. This can be done in addition to other treatments or lifestyle changes aimed at balancing hormone levels.

Addressing Low Testosterone Levels During Menopause Can Save Your Sex Drive.

Menopause is an important transition in a woman’s life. It brings with it both physical and emotional changes many of which are directly linked to a decline in hormone production. One symptom that is linked to lower levels of testosterone in menopause is low sex drive.

For some women, fewer and more infrequent sexual thoughts and feelings don’t impact their personal or romantic daily lives. But, for others, the physical and emotional aspects of their romantic partnerships as well as their self-confidence and even identity can be deeply affected.

Fortunately, bloodwork and a thorough assessment of your overall health and wellness make identifying low testosterone levels possible. And, if low testosterone is at the root of your low sex drive, topical TRT treatments are a safe and effective option for most women. If you are a woman in the Peterborough area looking for support as you transition through menopause, contact us today. When managed well, menopause can be the beginning of a happy and healthy new chapter in your life.