Emily Jamea, Ph.D., is a intercourse therapist, writer andpodcast host. You’ll find her right here every month to share her newest ideas about intercourse.

Some of the frequent questions I get requested is, “What can I do to get my spouse to wish to have intercourse extra typically now that she’s gone via menopause?”

Suffice to say that menopause can take a serious toll on a girl’s libido. Whereas I sometimes see girls who say they might go with out intercourse for the remainder of their lives, most lengthy for the times once they felt extra naturally sexually inclined.

The sexual adjustments that occur on account of menopause are irritating for each girls and their companions. Most {couples} see intercourse as a chance to attach not simply bodily, but additionally emotionally. It will possibly really feel like one thing essential is lacking when that aspect of the connection disappears.

Though menopause has a profound influence on sexuality, there are methods to take care of a satisfying and satisfying intimate connection throughout this stage of life.

Learn: 9 Methods Menopause Can Give Your Intercourse Drive a Enhance >>

Most individuals complain about dropping their intercourse drive starting in perimenopause. Whereas the hormonal adjustments from menopause can have a direct impact on libido, want for intercourse normally drops on account of different adjustments. Should you’re not sleeping properly, if you happen to’re having fixed scorching flashes and temper swings, if you happen to acquire weight, if intercourse turns into painful … you’re not going to wish to do it. In different phrases, want for intercourse goes down as a result of menopause could cause chaos in different areas of your life.

These emotional adjustments can not directly influence your curiosity in intercourse and general sexual satisfaction. The psychological points of transitioning via menopause can create a posh interaction of feelings, physique picture issues and shallowness points, all of which may affect sexual want.

Then there are adjustments within the physique. Throughout menopause, estrogen ranges lower. Estrogen is crucial for vaginal lubrication and elasticity. When estrogen ranges decline, girls could discover that they don’t lubricate as naturally. Additionally, the vagina could not stretch as simply. Collectively, this will make intercourse painful. Once more — if intercourse hurts, you’re not going to wish to do it. For most girls, want and arousal are linked. So, estrogen-linked decline in arousal may also influence want.

Testosterone additionally declines as we age, particularly after menopause. (Aspect word: Each women and men want estrogen and testosterone for optimum sexual perform.) Low testosterone can have an effect on our capacity to take care of muscle (cue physique picture points) and — you guessed it — have an effect on our libido.

Progesterone additionally drops throughout menopause. This may influence sleep and temper, and result in scorching flashes and night time sweats.

Watch: Methods to Address Frequent Menopause Signs >>

What must you do about these hormonal adjustments? You’ll be able to think about hormone remedy. Analysis reveals that hormones provide many protecting well being (and sexual well being) advantages with few unwanted side effects.

Should you’re all for hormone remedy, discuss to your healthcare supplier (HCP) physician, and all the time be certain that your HCP physician is updated on the newest analysis.

Train is likely one of the finest issues you are able to do to your well being at any stage of life, however particularly as you age. Power coaching, specifically, can fight among the adjustments in low testosterone in addition to shield in opposition to bone density loss. Analysis additionally reveals there are psychological advantages to train together with improved temper, physique picture and libido.

We are able to’t discuss post-menopausal sexuality with out additionally discussing the significance of psychological and relational interventions. Quite than seeing this chapter of your life as the start of the tip, see what occurs when you think about the various advantages of intercourse in later life. Older individuals are typically much less inhibited and self-conscious, which makes sexual exploration extra enjoyable and thrilling. {Couples} who be taught to adapt to — moderately than resist — the adjustments that include ageing can preserve a sexual connection that stands the check of time.

Should you’re actually struggling to remain linked to your sexuality after menopause, think about working with a intercourse therapist. There are a lot of methods that may allow you to rediscover your sexuality in addition to allow you to preserve a powerful intimate connection along with your companion.

Learn: How Male Companions and Others Can Assist Ladies Throughout Menopause >>

Intercourse after menopause is a subject that deserves open dialogue and understanding. Whereas the bodily and emotional adjustments that include this life stage can current challenges, additionally they provide alternatives for development, exploration and new methods of experiencing intimacy.

By embracing efficient communication, in search of help and adapting to adjustments with a constructive mindset, girls and their companions can navigate this part collectively, fostering a satisfying and satisfying intercourse life that continues to evolve and flourish.