Low sex drive is so typical that it almost seems natural, especially after menopause: Postmenopausal women report feeling less desire up to 52% of the time. There are several methods to feel hotter and less worried, even though the causes can be complicated. (What’s the simplest thing you can do now to improve your health? Sign up to receive FREE Prevention newsletters and have advice on healthy living sent right to your inbox!
Talk it out: Connect with your partner.
Your sex desire may be suppressed by melancholy, stress, and relationship issues. Increasing familiarity outside of the bedroom could fuel the fire under the covers. Speaking openly and honestly about intercourse—what you like and don’t like—also helps since it can help you break old behaviors. (See these 5 insider tips from married couples who still have hot sex.)
Exercise: Fit for sex
Active women are less stressed, have better body images, and are more energetic, all of which can increase a woman’s desire for intercourse. A recent study discovered that women who saw an erotic movie after working out were substantially more turned on than those who watched the film but didn’t work out, even though there is relatively little research on the subject. (Try one of these brisk 10-minute walks before heading out on your next expedition in your bedroom.)
Sex therapy: Counseling with a one-track mind
You don’t sleep with the therapist, that’s for sure. Rather, you and your partner speak with a qualified specialist about your sexual life. Working on communication, emphasizing sensations, watching instructional films, and altering how you and your spouse connect are some examples of homework.
DHEA: A sexy supplement
Debatable is the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the body’s precursor to intercourse hormones, to treat menopausal symptoms. However, a recent analysis of the literature found that it marginally enhances perimenopausal and postmenopausal women’s sexual function. Even if it’s over-the-counter, see a doctor before using it: DHEA may cause problems with blood pressure and cholesterol. (Learn how actual women overcame their sex and menopause-related problems.)
Medication: A first for younger women
2015 saw the FDA approve flibanserin, also known as Addyi, for the treatment of female sexual desire problems in premenopausal women. However, alcohol consumption while taking this medication increases the risk of major side effects. Only physicians and pharmacies with specific certifications can sell it. (This is all the information you want for flibanserin.)
Mindfulness: Live for the moment.
Stress chemicals such as cortisol can destroy arousal, desire, and fulfillment, even if your motor does manage to start. It has been demonstrated that mindfulness increases passion and lowers stress. One of the most important strategies is to be acutely aware of bodily sensations, including sounds, breathing, and sexual responses. (Also, avoid doing these six things right before intercourse when it’s time for closeness.)
Lubrication: The physical affects the mental.
Achy bones can stifle romantic thoughts. Vaginal tissue needs to stay malleable, so choose on-the-spot lubes made for intercourse (Astroglide or this organic lubricant and personal moisturizer) or use a targeted moisturizer like Replens nightly.
Hormone therapy: Straight to the source
If hormonal changes are the cause of your sexual dysfunction, estrogen administered through a vaginal cream, suppository, or ring can restore the health of your vaginal tissue, improving lubrication and reducing pain without the unsettling side effects of estrogen pills.
Mood meddlers: Many antidepressants have sexual side effects.
Intercourse drive can be killed by SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac). See your doctor if it may be worthwhile to try an alternative medication, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), or to reduce your dosage.
