Causes of Lack of Female Libido

By Sarah H. | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Ladies
Talk with your physician.

Doctors often note the link between menopause and a lack of female libido. A lack of libido can place a strain on relationships and sex life, and therefore, it is important that women going through menopause fully understand its symptoms and causes. Read on to discover more about what causes a lack of female libido.

Should I Be Worried about Lack of Libido?

Libido simply refers to a person's sex drive. Therefore, the term "lack of libido" describes a woman's loss of sexual desire. Women who are suffering from lack of libido may often feel that something is wrong with them or that they are experiencing something abnormal in their failure to initiate intimacy or respond to their partner's desire for it. In fact, the symptoms of lack of libido are widespread among menopausal women.

What Factors Cause Lack of Female Libido?

Menopause symptoms may result in a lack of libido in the following ways:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats can lead to increased fatigue.
  • Vaginal dryness can cause severe discomfort during intercourse.
  • Decreased levels of testosterone can minimize libido.
  • Decreased blood flow to the pelvic region can lead to a less elastic vagina.
  • Thin and less elastic vaginal walls become more tender, making intercourse painful.

A lack of female libido can be the result of both physical and psychological factors - each requires its own method of treatment.

Psychological factors

Hormonal imbalance

Psychological symptoms of menopause - including mood swings and depression can result in a lack of libido. These disturbances can disrupt a relaxed state of mind and cause irritation, thus affecting any desire for romance. Stress as a result of these symptoms puts further strain on sex drive. Fortunately, the stresses associated with menopause symptoms will dissipate when the underlying symptoms are treated.

While not necessarily related to menopause, relationship conflicts can also be responsible for a lack of libido, especially if lack of trust or communication is involved.

Physiological factors

Usually, the main cause of lack of female libido is hormonal imbalance in her body, which is typically experienced during menopause. This is because a woman's testosterone is a key hormone in her sex drive, and when levels of testosterone fluctuate during menopause, her response to sexual stimuli tends to fall, too.

Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause can also contribute to a lack of female libido. This is because a decline in estrogen can cause vaginal dryness, a condition that creates uncomfortable friction during intercourse, as well as soreness and a painful burning sensation. Estrogen deficiency during menopause is also responsible for the thinning the vaginal wall. When the strength of the vaginal wall decreases, sexual arousal typically decreases, too.

How Can I Reverse Lack of Libido?

In order to properly treat lack of libido, it is important to identify  whether the problem is being caused by physical factors, psychological factors, or a combination of the two.

Psychological factors

Stress and fatigue

If stress and fatigue are what is responsible for lack of libido, sex drive can often be restored with a scheduled rest and exercise regimen. If, however, the cause is related to relationship issues, couples have a host of options, including couple's therapy.

Physiological factors

Since a lack of female libido is usually associated with lowered hormone levels as a result of menopause, a natural hormone-balancing program is often the most effective solution. This often involves a healthy diet and exercise routine, but can also be supplemented by natural remedies and alternative treatments.

A lack of libido does not need to be treated if it is not causing any problems; however, many women wish to increase their libido to retain intimacy. Click on the following link to learn more about treatments for a lack of libido.

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