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

One of the crucial widespread 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 by menopause?”

Suffice to say that menopause can take a serious toll on a girl’s libido. Whereas I sometimes see girls who say they may 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 because of menopause are irritating for each girls and their companions. Most {couples} see intercourse as a chance to attach not simply bodily, but in addition emotionally. It may 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 shedding their intercourse drive starting in perimenopause. Whereas the hormonal adjustments from menopause can have a direct impact on libido, want for intercourse often drops because of different adjustments. In the event you’re not sleeping nicely, 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 may cause chaos in different areas of your life.

These emotional adjustments can not directly influence your curiosity in intercourse and total sexual satisfaction. The psychological facets of transitioning by menopause can create a posh interaction of feelings, physique picture considerations and vanity points, all of which might 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 might discover that they don’t lubricate as naturally. Additionally, the vagina might not stretch as simply. Collectively, this could 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 can even influence want.

Testosterone additionally declines as we age, particularly after menopause. (Facet 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 could 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 take into account hormone remedy. Analysis reveals that hormones supply many protecting well being (and sexual well being) advantages with few uncomfortable side effects.

In the event you’re eager about hormone remedy, discuss to your healthcare supplier (HCP) physician, and at all times ensure that your HCP physician is updated on the most recent analysis.

Train is among the greatest issues you are able to do on your well being at any stage of life, however particularly as you age. Power coaching, particularly, can fight among the adjustments in low testosterone in addition to shield towards 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. Slightly 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 — quite than resist — the adjustments that include growing older can keep a sexual connection that stands the take a look at of time.

In the event you’re actually struggling to remain linked to your sexuality after menopause, take into account working with a intercourse therapist. There are numerous methods that may make it easier to rediscover your sexuality in addition to make it easier to keep a robust intimate connection along with your associate.

Learn: How Male Companions and Others Can Assist Girls 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, in addition they supply alternatives for progress, exploration and new methods of experiencing intimacy.

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