How does menopause affect sexual health and libido?
Menopause significantly affects libido and emotional sexual well-being due to hormonal shifts, namely the decline in estrogen and testosterone. They affect vaginal health, sexual desire, and sexual arousal in general. Here’s why:
1. Libido (Sex Drive) Alterations
Decreased Libido: Low levels of testosterone and estrogen might reduce sexual desire.
Emotional Aspects: Worry, mood swings, and body image problems may further affect libido.
Fatigue & Sleep Disorders: Menopause night sweats and insomnia lead to low energy, making sex unattractive.
2. Vaginal & Body Changes
Dryness of Vagina: Lower estrogen level equals less natural lubrication, leading to painful or uncomfortable sex (dyspareunia).
Thin Vaginal Tissues: Thinning and less flexible vaginal tissues due to vaginal atrophy make it more difficult to get penetrated.
Less Blood Flow to Genitals: Reduced circulation affects arousal and sensitivity.
3. Emotional & Relationship Issues
Mood Swings & Depression: Hormonal fluctuations can impact emotional mood, lowering libido.
Changes in Partner Dynamics: When the partner also experiences age changes (e.g., erectile dysfunction), intimacy is impacted.
4. Coping with Menopause-Related Sexual Changes
Remember:
Vaginal Moisturizers & Lubricants: Reduce dryness and discomfort.
Hormone Therapy (HRT): Can improve vaginal health and libido in some women.
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthen vaginal muscles for better sex.
Open Communication with Partner: Talking over change and playing around with new intimacy styles may be able to keep sex fresh.
Would you like to be given some recommendations for some treatments or lifestyle changes towards improved sexual health during and following menopause?
Menopause brings many potential complications, both physical and psychological, due to the change in hormone levels and the physiological process of aging. Some of the key complications a woman may develop are listed below:
1. Osteoporosis
Bone density decreases as the estrogen level drops, weakening bones and predisposing them to fracturing.
Women may not realize they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs, so bone density measurements are recommended after menopause.
2. Cardiovascular Disease
Estrogen guards the heart and blood vessels, and when the estrogen level drops, the danger of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke increases.
Cholesterol levels may also be impacted and enhance the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes (acute feeling of heat) and night sweats (nighttime excessive sweating) can cause discomfort and disruption of sleep and daily life.
Hot flashes and night sweats are most common at the onset of menopause but in a few women continue for years.
4. Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy
Low estrogen can lead to dryness, burning, and pain during intercourse.
It also can cause vaginal atrophy, thinning of the walls of the vagina and loss of elasticity, putting women at greater risk for infection.
5. Urinary Incontinence
Decreased estrogen can make the pelvic floor muscles weak and result in urinary incontinence (leaking urine).
It can cause frequent or sudden need to urinate, or leakage during activities like coughing or laughing.
6. Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes
Weight gain, especially around the abdominal area, is a phenomenon that affects most women due to the shift in hormones and the reduction in the metabolism.
This can put one at risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (a grouping of elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and high cholesterol).
7. Mental Health Issues
Anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings can be more intense due to the hormonal changes.
Cognitive symptoms such as memory and concentration issues are also common, commonly referred to as “menopause brain.”
8. Sleep Disturbances
Hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal changes can interfere with sleep and lead to insomnia and fatigue.
Not sleeping can, in turn, aggravate mood swings, stress, and illness.
9. Reduced Libido
Low estrogen and testosterone levels can reduce sexual desire and arousal.
Physical changes, such as vaginal dryness and discomfort, can also be the cause of a decrease in sexual activity.
10. Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Menopause does not cause cancer directly, but hormonal changes can affect breast tissue.
Risk of breast cancer increases with age, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also affect such risk.
11. Cognitive Decline and Dementia
Some studies show that the loss of estrogen in menopause could increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, but the research is ongoing.
Premature menopause can heighten the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life in women.
Managing Possible Complications
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can reduce most of the symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis and cardiovascular risk. It is not suitable for all women, especially those with a history of some cancers or blood clots.
Lifestyle Modifications: A well-balanced diet, exercise, no smoking, and stress reduction may enhance most of the menopause-related complications.
Regular Screenings: Women are advised to undergo regular screenings for breast cancer, bone density, and heart conditions.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises may aid in strengthening muscles of the pelvis and coping with urinary incontinence.
Would you like to go deeper into addressing any of these complications?
The Menopause Solution™ By Julissa Clay – Blue Heron Health News The Menopause Solution it can be concluded easily that you should try this program at least once if menopause is destroying your internal organs or deteriorating your physical health to a considerable level. This program can help in resolving your health issues caused by perimenopause and menopause in a completely natural manner. You can use this program without any risk as you can get your money back if you are not satisfied with its results.