Boost Your Desire: Effective Treatments for Menopause-Related Low Libido

Donna Hofmeister, a 54-year-old nurse from Delaware, always envisioned a lifelong intimate connection with her husband. “I was someone that would always say to my husband, ‘I want to be doing it when we’re 80,’” she shares. However, as she entered perimenopause, her once vibrant libido began to wane, leaving her feeling disconnected.

Hofmeister’s experience is featured in the documentary “The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause,” which explores the often-overlooked issue of low libido during menopause. For Hofmeister, the decline in sexual interest coincided with increasing midlife responsibilities. Despite efforts to rekindle the spark through regular date nights, her desire remained absent. “I still wasn’t interested,” she admits.

Low libido is a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause, affecting many women. Dr. Lauren Streicher, host of “Dr. Streicher’s Inside Information: The Menopause Podcast,” explains, “It’s actually the most common of all sexual problems.” Dr. Kelly Casperson, a urologist, concurs, stating that low libido affects at least 40% of women during this life stage.

Several factors contribute to diminished sexual desire during menopause, making it a complex issue. “You can’t point to one thing that causes women to have a low libido,” Streicher notes. Hormonal shifts, psychological stress, and social pressures can all play a role. Casperson emphasizes the importance of considering psychological and social factors before seeking medication, asking her patients about their relationships and stress levels.

There are various treatments available to address hormonal changes associated with menopause. Localized vaginal estrogen can alleviate symptoms like dryness and pain, which often deter women from sexual activity. “One of the big reasons that women stop being sexually active is pain with penetration,” says Casperson. Vaginal estrogen is available in several forms and has shown to be effective in improving vaginal moisture.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is another option that can help improve libido by addressing symptoms such as hot flashes and poor sleep. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin highlights the benefits of HRT, noting that it can lead to women feeling more rested and comfortable. If these treatments are insufficient, testosterone may be prescribed to boost sexual interest, although it requires careful dosing.

Experts caution against the use of testosterone pellets due to potential side effects. “Pellets are not FDA-approved. They are unregulated,” Streicher warns. High doses can lead to unwanted changes such as facial hair growth and voice deepening.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is another issue that can cause pain during intercourse, necessitating physical therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and sex therapy are also recommended to address the psychological aspects of low libido. Streicher advises women with low libido to consider speaking with a sex therapist to address relationship dynamics.

Hofmeister’s journey through perimenopause was fraught with challenges, including weight gain, joint pain, and mood changes. She initially struggled to find the right treatment, but eventually found relief with a combination of HRT and vaginal estrogen. “The vaginal estrogen has been really helpful for me,” she says, emphasizing the importance of sharing her experience to help others.

By opening up about her struggles, Hofmeister hopes to encourage others to seek help and not suffer in silence. “I physically feel better, and I am an open book,” she declares. Her story highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of menopause-related changes and the available treatments.

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