Sunday, May 27, 2012
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 dzzyd asks

Q: Does menopause decrease sex drive?

My ovaries were removed two years ago at age 55 putting me right into menopause. I had a regular cycle pryor to that and a normal sex drive.  My libido now is almost non-existant.  I was unable to have sex most of that year because of the extent of two major abdominal surgeries and then my husband got a hernia and had to have surgery! I am not sure if the drop in the sex drive is a result of the abstinance after the surgeries or because of menopause. Any suggestions as to how to improve it?  I think about it, just feel no desire to do anything about it.  It is frustrating for my husband and for me too, since this isn't normal for me.

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Sandy Greenquist, Health Pro
2/18/09 6:06pm

Yes, menopause definitely decreases sex drive.  It is almost universal that as the ovaries decrease producing testosterone, or you lose your ovaries to surgery, your sex drive basically flattens.  Also, you may find that your vaginal tissues are thinner and drier due to low estrogen and this can be remedied with vaginal estradiol cream to help thicken the tissues and add back some moisture, tho you will probably want to use a lubricant as well.  Testosterone is responsible for creating sex drive and your ovaries make 50% of your body's testosterone.  We tend to have much less spontaneous thought and a lukewarm response at best.  There is research proving that testosterone can help improve sex drive, motivation and satisfaction in menopausal women.  Find a provider who has experience working with bioidentical hormones.  The synthetic testosterone products will not work as well, if at all, and may have side effects.  I use mostly cream with my patients, but tablets and lozenges can also be compounded.  To find a provider, call a compounding pharmacy in your area.  These pharmacists tend to be knowledgeable about who in the area is experienced in menopause and hormone therapy.  Your husband may find that additional testosterone may be helpful to him as well, since men's hormones decrease like ours and can have a significant effect on their desire and performance.

Good luck!

Sandy

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By dzzyd— Last Modified: 12/13/10, First Published: 02/17/09