Does Sex Drive Come Back During Menopause?

May 09, 2023

When women go through menopause, lots of painful side effects occur. Menopause causes a woman’s body to go all haywire due to the drop in estrogen. One side effect is that one’s libido takes a nosedive. Seems unfair since you don’t have to worry about becoming pregnant, but don’t worry; not all is lost. You’re not destined for a sexless existence because your sex drive can return during menopause.

Menopause and Sex Drive

Menopause affects every woman differently. For some, it really has a detrimental effect not only on their sexual desire but also causes vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is when the tender vaginal tissues become thinner and drier, making sex more painful due to the lack of lubrication. Even the shape of a woman’s vagina changes, making it harder to enjoy sex.

If you’re someone who in the past really enjoyed sex or wants to please your partner, the lack of desire has a profound effect on your confidence and the health of your relationship. But it’s not your fault. While we may think we control our feelings, hormones can significantly affect feeling amorous. 

Estrogen and Sexual Desire

Menopause is caused by a significant drop in estrogen. Estrogen is a sex hormone primarily produced in the ovaries and affects every bodily function and cell. Most people think of estrogen as controlling fertility. While true, it also significantly builds strong muscles, improves cardiovascular and brain health, and creates healthy skin and nails.

Estrogen is a powerful hormone, and the loss of it cannot be understated for a woman. Estrogen helps build the egg follicle in the ovaries to drop an egg for fertilization. In preparation for the egg drop, it increases your sexual desire. It’s an aphrodisiac for sex. So women feel more or less amorous depending on the amounts circulating in their bodies.

Stages of Menopause

Menopause has three distinct stages, but the amount of time spent in each stage for each woman varies. 

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the first stage, and estrogen levels can vary dramatically. It’s as if your body is test-driving less estrogen. You can experience perimenopause 5-10 years before menopause occurs. However, the average time is 4-6 years before menopause. During this time, you can have side effects like hot flashes, low sex drive, and other symptoms.

Signs of perimenopause are usually shorter periods or heavier periods. Or even skipping a period and then having a gushing cycle. In essence, your average cycle becomes irregular from your usual baseline. 

Menopause

Menopause typically occurs in the early 50s, but some women can experience menopause in their 30s or 40s. Also, if you have a hysterectomy or other health conditions, you can become thrust into menopause. The standard definition of menopause is not having a period of 12 months.

During this time, your sex drive can be non-existent. You suddenly find a root canal more attractive than having sex.

Post-menopause

Post-menopause is the final stage of menopause. It’s the stage where a woman finds herself for the rest of her life. It signifies a new chapter in your life, and while it may seem sad to some, women should try to embrace it and realize that your golden years can be the best years of your life.

Hormonal Imbalance and Sex Drive

If you hadn’t guessed it, your sex drive comes from a hormonal imbalance. But while this is true, you can get your mojo back with some help from estrogen supplementation. 

Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy

Estrogen therapy is replacing the missing hormones with natural ones. It’s effective and helps improve sex drive. Estrogen comes in different forms, and during menopause and after, your body primarily produces the lowest form of estrogen, called estrone.

Estrone is weak and doesn’t have the same effect as estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen. For this reason, adding estradiol or E2 back into your system profoundly impacts sexual desire and helps fight other menopausal symptoms.

Estrogen hormone therapy has gotten a bad rap in the last decade or two, but the reputation is unfounded based on research. The number one way to combat menopause is through hormone therapy. The benefits definitely outweigh any possible side effects. 

How does it work?

Estrogen therapy treatment is simple and easy to do. The best way is through a bioidentical hormone cream. Transdermal creams are more effective than other methods of supplementation. All you do is add a small amount of cream to your skin and rub in a circular motion until completely absorbed.

Your dermis or skin transfers the estrogen to every cell in your body. Estrogen increases vaginal lubrication, which makes penetration more accessible and more enjoyable. It also increases your sexual desire, making you more interested in sex. 

Is it safe?

Research into women’s issues, especially menopause, has been weak. But the available studies show that estrogen therapy is safe and effective for women. For those 10 years plus menopause, the risk of cancer and heart problems increases slightly, but like everything, you have to weigh the risks and the cons before undergoing any treatment.

Does Estrogen Therapy Bring Your Sex Drive Back?

Yes, without a doubt, estrogen therapy brings your sex drive back during menopause. Menopause is caused by a severe drop in estrogen, and by adding more back into your body, your sex drive will increase. In essence, estrogen is an essential messenger for the well-being of every bodily function. For women, it cannot be underestimated how important it is for a healthy sex life.

Having a healthy sex life increases feelings of happiness and contentment, not only with yourself but also with your significant other. So, the answer is hormone therapy with estrogen. Now go on and get your groove back. 

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