Loss of Libido

Loss of libido can be one of the most difficult symptoms of menopause to manage, often because a woman might not understand how and why she has lost the desire to be physically intimate with her partner. It is important to recognize that loss of libido during menopause is common, affecting as many as 20 to 40 percent of women.

Learning more about loss of libido, its myriad causes, and how it can be managed, can not only bring a woman peace of mind but is the best step towards resolving this complex symptom of menopause. Read on to learn more about loss of libido during menopause.

Loss of Libido	About Loss of Libido Loss of libido is a complex phenomenon with psychological, relational, physical, and hormonal dimensions as unique as the women who experience them. The term libido has long been used to describe a person's sexual drive and their desire for sex. Loss of libido, medically termed "hypoactive sexual desire disorder," is a reduction or lack of interest and desire in sexual activity. Loss of libido is chiefly characterized by a lack of interest or desire for sexual activity. Many women with loss of libido find that they are less in touch with their sexuality. Sexual feelings come less frequently and energy for sex drastically dwindles or disappears from a woman's life.
Loss of Libido Overview About Loss of Libido Definition Symptoms Causes of Loss of Libido Hormonal causes Other causes Loss of Libido Treatments

While loss of libido differs from the inability to become aroused or achieve orgasm, menopausal women may also experience these symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Other symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and irritation, can also be related symptoms of loss of libido.

Click the following link to learn more about loss of libido, or continue reading below to find out what can cause loss of libido during menopause, in order to find a solution.

Causes of Loss of Libido

Like many menopausal symptoms, the primary cause of loss of libido has its roots in hormonal imbalance. However, physical, psychological and relationship issues can affect the libido during menopause as well.

Hormonal Causes of Loss of Libido

During menopause, one of the most common identifiable causes of loss of libido is hormonal imbalance. Reductions in the levels of three major hormones can contribute to the reduction of sexual drive and energy.

Estrogen

Estrogen plays a vital role in female sexuality by increasing sensations, assisting in the production of vaginal lubrication, and maintaining the health of vaginal tissue.

As a woman approaches menopause, her body begins to produce less estrogen. This can cause a host of symptoms that can contribute to a woman's loss of libido, such as hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness.

Progesterone

Progesterone hormones are also integral to maintaining sexual health. When levels are too low during menopause, the resulting irregular periods, fatigue and other menopause symptoms can cause loss of libido.

Androgens/ Testosterone

As with estrogen, the body begins to produce lower levels of androgens (e.g. testosterone) with age. Experts believe that this drop in androgens can also cause women to experience loss of libido around the time of menopause.

While hormonal change is often a major cause of loss of libido during menopause, other factors can also cause or contribute to a woman's loss of libido. Read on to learn about these other causes of loss of libido

Other Causes of Loss of Libido

In addition to hormonal causes of loss of libido, several other factors can lead to this common menopausal symptom. The other causes can be separated into three categories: physical, psychological, and relational causes. These other causes are listed below.

Physical Causes • Sexual dysfunction • Pain-related   conditions • Medication use • Hysterectomy • Diabetes • Heart disease • Anemia • Chronic disease • Vaginal dryness

Psychological Causes • Stress • Fatigue • Changes in self esteem   and body image • Concerns about aging • Feelings about sex • Psychological disease   (e.g. mood swings,   depression, and anxiety)

Relational Causes • Changes in partner's   physical health • Intimate relationship   changes • Availability of partner • Lack of communication   between partners • Changing social role • Family changes • Low sex drive in partner • Major life changes

Loss of libido is a complex symptom of menopause with many potential causes. Click the following link to learn more about the causes of loss of libido during menopause, or continue reading below to find out the panoply of treatment options available for loss of libido.

Treatments for Loss of Libido

Fortunately, loss of libido can easily be treated through a variety of methods. Oftentimes lifestyle changes such as a few changes in diet and exercise patterns will not only help to treat loss of libido, but corresponding stress and anxiety as well.

However, because the root of the problem for women going through menopause is a drop in hormone levels, the best way to treat this problem is to go directly to the hormonal source. Natural supplements are an excellent and safe way to achieve this.

In more extreme cases, there are medical solutions such as surgery or pharmaceutical options, though due to risk of side effects or other complications this should be the last resort.

Click the following link to learn specific treatments for loss of libido, which begin with lifestyle changes, move onto alternative medicines, and finally, if those options don´t seem to help, drugs and surgery. The most effective treatments for loss of libido typically combine lifestyle changes and alternative medicines.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.

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