Introduction
Change is essential. After the age of 40, many women experience a drop in their libido. It is ok to not be interested in sex, but adjustments can be made to help get things going again.
Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can influence libido. After menopause, these hormones may not be present in as high of levels. Other aspects, like diet, physical activity, psychological health, relationship issues, and body image, can also affect libido.
To increase libido after 40, there are many safe steps one can take:
- Ashwagandha is a herbal supplement that can help.
- Exercise can also raise libido levels.
Keep reading for more tips on how to enhance libido after 40!
Reasons for Low Libido in Women After 40
Women after 40 can suffer from low libido. Several factors can cause this. Hormone imbalances, lifestyle changes, stress levels and physical health issues are some of the major ones. To increase libido, it is vital to identify the cause.
Let’s look at the factors that could affect libido after 40:
Hormonal changes
Women over 40 can have changes in their hormones. Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone can affect libido. Estrogen levels drop during menopause. This can lead to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable. Testosterone also decreases in women over 40. This can mean less desire and reduced pleasure from orgasm. Progesterone helps maintain sexual desire, but it also decreases for some.
These hormonal changes over a short time period can lower sex drive. This can lead to feeling less interested in intimacy.
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can cause a low libido in women aged 40+. Stress has a big effect on hormone levels, which makes the hypothalamus release fewer hormones related to sexual arousal. Unmanaged emotions can stop the urge for sex. Aging women may be worried about changes in their body or health issues, making them not want sex or feel unattractive.
Low libido is connected with stress and depression, which often rises after 40 due to lowered estrogen levels. To restore libido, it’s important to reduce stress.
Relationship issues
Relationships are key when it comes to low libido in women after 40. Hormone changes due to menopause can lead to tension between couples. Women may feel unattractive, unimportant and undesirable; impacting libido. This can cause issues when one partner wants sex more than the other. Disconnection between partners can further affect desire.
Stress, negative body image, fatigue, and resentment can all lower libido in women after 40 who don’t understand why they don’t want sex. Relationship counseling and open communication with your partner can help increase female libido after 40 and enhance relationships.
Medication side effects
Medication side effects may be the reason for decreased libido in women over 40. Popular drugs like anti-depressants, antihistamines, beta blockers and more can affect sexual desire. Furthermore, some treatments for urinary incontinence and Parkinsons disease can hinder sexual response.
It can be confusing to tell if medicine is the root of the problem. Therefore, it’s best to chat with a doctor about any drugs taken, and to consider changing or stopping one if it lowers libido. A physician may recommend a smaller dose or an alternate medicine not linked to decreased libido.
Women who had their ovaries removed (oophorectomy) may also experience lowered libido due to hormone levels and lack of estrogen production. Speak with a doctor about hormone replacement therapy to restore hormones and improve low sex drive during and after menopause.
Natural Ways to Increase Female Libido After 40
Women aged 40+ can suffer from a decrease in libido. Common causes include hormonal shifts, stress, and aging. But, there are natural ways to raise libido!
- Mind-body connection,
- herbal teas and supplements, and
- physical activity are all helpful.
Let’s explore these natural methods further.
Exercise
Exercising is a great way to boost libido after 40! It can help you feel more confident and sexy. Plus, it’ll release endorphins that lift your mood and sex drive.
Two exercises stand out for boosting female libido: resistance training and aerobic activity. Resistance training tones muscles, increases strength, balance, and even bone density. Aerobic activity increases circulation to sexual organs, which helps with arousal.
Yoga and Pilates are also good for increasing libido. They’re low impact, but still help blood flow and body coordination. These elements are important for renewed sexual libido in women over 40.
Healthy Eating Habits
As you get closer to 40, pay attention to your diet. Too much junk food, dehydration, and lack of dietary fiber can reduce your sex drive.
Nutrition is important for female libido. Women need vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. Fruits like blueberries, apples, and kale are full of antioxidants which improve blood flow to the genitals. Eating zinc-rich foods such as beef, spinach, and pumpkin seeds balances hormones. Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids which are important for energy and libido.
Eat at least three to four servings of vegetables each day. This raises serotonin levels naturally and boosts mood. Nutritious meals give you energy for long-lasting sex and makes it easier to get in the mood. Eating too much processed food or sugary snacks can make you feel lethargic and uncomfortable sexually. Eating well is crucial to ensure better sexual health and higher libido after 40 years old or before.
- Fruits like blueberries, apples, and kale are full of antioxidants which improve blood flow to the genitals.
- Eating zinc-rich foods such as beef, spinach, and pumpkin seeds balances hormones.
- Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids which are important for energy and libido.
Stress Management
Managing stress is vital for boosting libido in women. It affects hormones like cortisol and testosterone, which are linked to vigor and libido. So, activities like yoga and walking can help lower anxiety and increase libido. Other stress management techniques include mindfulness meditation, aromatherapy, massage therapy, and music therapy.
Reducing stress leads to better sleep – key for sexual health. Also, strong relationships are essential for keeping libido healthy. Communicating openly or seeking couples counselling is great for sexual health.
Eating zinc-rich foods, like oysters, can help boost female libido after 40. Studies show women lacking Zinc may have low libido due to hormonal imbalances. Vitamins A and E also promote libido by increasing blood flow to sexual organs. They help balance hormones such as testosterone (in females) and estrogen for older women as they approach menopause.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are now a popular way to boost libido in women over 40. For centuries, people have used herbal remedies for various health problems, from hormone balance to energy and mental clarity.
The following herbs are common for libido enhancement:
- Maca: From a root vegetable from Peru, maca has key nutrients and fatty acids that help hormonal balance and metabolism. It can boost libido in men and women.
- Tribulus Terrestris: This herb is used as an aphrodisiac to maintain normal testosterone levels. Testosterone levels decline with age in women. It also helps restore libido because of its adaptogenic properties.
- Horny Goat Weed: Chinese medicine sees this as similar to Tribulus terrestris. It boosts testosterone and increases blood flow. This can lead to increased arousal.
- Damiana Leaf: From Mexico, it’s used as an aphrodisiac. It stimulates oxytocin release. This gives pleasure during orgasm. It calms anxiety which can come with decreasing sex drive after 40. It can also help those with birth control pills or menopause. They may have low desire or sexual response due to hormone deficiency or imbalances.
Medical Treatments for Low Libido in Women After 40
Libido reduction after 40 may be due to physical and mental reasons. Great news! There are remedies available which can help. Depending on the cause, several treatments can be taken. For example, hormone replacement and specific drugs.
What treatments are there for women aged 40+ with low libido? Let’s take a peek!
Hormone Therapy
Hormone Therapy (HT) is a common treatment to address decreased libido in women after 40. It’s also referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This therapy replenishes hormones that naturally decrease with age. These hormones are: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. They boost sexual desire.
HT protocols include oral meds, creams, and patches. Side effects may be headache, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding. If you have prolonged symptoms or any unusual changes in your body during treatment, contact your doctor ASAP. Your doctor may adjust the dosage.
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy can be an option for postmenopausal women with low libido. Age can cause a natural decline in testosterone levels, which can be further reduced by menopause. When a woman has lack of sex drive, her testosterone levels might be too low. Hormone replacement therapy can then raise the testosterone level to its pre-menopause state. This can help restore lost libido in some cases.
Safety and effectiveness of testosterone therapy for this purpose has been established. However, it can cause adverse cardiovascular effects or acne outbreaks. Before supplementing diet with hormones, it is important to get medically evaluated. Good health and addressing any medical conditions should come first. Working with an experienced medical specialist in hormone balancing will ensure a safe route to improved sexual health.
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
Vaginal estrogen therapy is a common treatment for women over 40 with low libido. It helps the body produce more lubrication and restores pre-menopausal vaginal tissues. It also helps reduce hot flashes and night sweats, and manage post-menopausal complications like urinary incontinence.
There are two types of vaginal estrogen therapy: topical and systemic. Topical estrogens come in cream or tablet form and are inserted with an applicator. Systemic estrogens are taken orally or by injection. Your doctor will decide which type is best for you.
Topical estrogens help moisturize the vaginal tissue and reduce dryness during intercourse. Side effects include burning, soreness or irritation at the application site, and breast tenderness if taking oral products.
Systemic estrogens enter the bloodstream and travel to the target area. The dose varies from person to person. Side effects include nausea, depression, headaches, breast tenderness and bloating when taken orally. Transdermal administration may cause rashes due to allergic reactions from ingredients like latex and adhesive adhesives.
Conclusion
Menopause can be tough for many women. It’s essential to be aware of the physical and mental changes that usually happen. And to stay in tune with your body, and seek help if needed.
Hormonal therapies can help reduce some symptoms and enhance libido. Talk to your doctor about which one suits you best. Also, exercising regularly, eating right, doing yoga and acupuncture, and other relaxation techniques can help your wellbeing.
Tips for boosting libido are:
- Staying connected to your partner;
- Speaking freely with them;
- Taking time for yourself;
- Avoiding alcohol or drugs;
- Reducing stress;
- Using lubricant during sex;
- Exploring likes, dislikes and fantasies related to sex.
Additionally, romantic dates or activities like dancing or a hot bath can boost arousal. If the decrease in libido is due to age or another medical issue, it’s essential to chat openly with your doctor about it, to find the best treatment available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the decrease in libido a natural part of aging for women?
A: Yes, it is a common occurrence in women as they age, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. There are ways to increase female libido after 40.
Q: What are some causes of low libido in women over 40?
A: Low libido can be caused by hormonal changes, menopause, medication side effects, stress, and relationship issues.
Q: What are some natural remedies for increasing female libido?
A: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing stress-reducing techniques, engaging in regular sexual activity, and using natural aphrodisiacs like ginseng, maca, and tribulus terrestris can help increase female libido.
Q: Can hormone therapy help increase female libido?
A: Yes, hormone therapy can be a helpful option for women experiencing low libido due to hormonal imbalances or menopause. However, hormone therapy does come with some risks and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Q: Are there prescription medications available for increasing female libido?
A: Yes, there are some prescription medications available, such as Addyi and Vyleesi, that can help increase female libido. However, these medications can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
Q: Can seeing a therapist help increase female libido?
A: Yes, seeing a therapist can help women address relationship issues, improve communication, manage stress and anxiety, and address any mental health concerns that may be affecting their libido.