Menopause Libido Treatments
Menopause and libido, or the lack thereof, is a complicated subject. Many women find post-menopause sex better than ever because they don't have to worry about pregnancy or work around annoying menstrual periods. Other women may be completely indifferent, having lost all desire for sex and may find intercourse painful when they do, halfheartedly, engage. There are several approaches to consider to give your libido a needed lift.
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Considerations
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A woman must realize that the body does not have the hormones that it once possessed, which made her eager and ready for sex. When a woman goes through menopause, her sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, change. The ovaries stop making estrogen, which previously lubricated and protected the vaginal lining. Without estrogen, a woman may feel vaginally dry. The vaginal lining has thinned, making the vagina more susceptible to irritation, so sex may be painful. Progesterone is more or less gone, and it, too, impacts sexual desire. Testosterone, the male hormone which women also have, may drop. All of these factors combined can result in a ho-hum, take it or leave it attitude about sex.
Alternative Approach
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Consider using alternative treatments such as herbal remedies. There are two types of herbs that increase a woman's libido: phytoestrogens and non-estrogenics. Phytoestrogens, such as black cohosh and dong quai, contain estrogenic components that are produced by the plant. The concern about using phytoestrogens is that they will add external hormones to the body, making the body less likely to produce estrogen on its own. The body still produces estrogen via the adrenal glands and fat cells during menopause. Non-estrogenic herbs, such as Maca, don't contain estrogen but nourish the hormonal glands. This will prompt the glands to produce some natural hormones, according to 34-menopause-symptoms.com. Other herbs that have been used to jumpstart libido include damiana, gingko biloba, wild oats, wild lettuce and motherwart. It is believed that black cohosh and Siberian ginseng improve the condition of the vaginal mucosa. Talk to a qualified herbalist or homeopathic specialist, who can advise you on which route to go.
Some women even opt for acupuncture, which involves putting a tiny sterile needle into the body at specific spots according to energy pathway mapping.
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HRT
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the quickest way to correct hormonal imbalance, but there are risks, including the development of various types of cancer and an increase in cardiovascular disease. In July 2002, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial was canceled because it was discovered that synthetic hormones increased the risk of blood clots, strokes, and breast and ovarian cancer.
Lifestyle Changes
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Lifestyle changes can help boost libido. Lose weight, start exercising, and learn how to control and reduce stress. Many women find yoga is helpful for maintaining mental balance and calmness. Eat foods that are estrogen-rich, such as potatoes, yams, wheat, rice, cherries, apples and soy. Limit alcohol drinking and stop smoking. Take multi-vitamins and get enough sleep.
Significance
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Try to figure out what's plaguing you and remedy the problems in your life. If you have relationship, body, money or job woes and are generally an emotional wreck, slow down, take a breath and make an effort to begin the healing process. Go to therapy or talk about your concerns with friends or family members. Talk to your sex partner about body issues and insecurities you may have. As you become more accustomed to the post-menopausal you, your attitude toward sex may eventually heat up.
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