The Joys of Maturity: Declining Sex Drive
Despite the attentive, passionate relationship that she shares with her husband, a woman is losing her libido due to age.
Case #: 1395
Concern：
My husband and I maintain an active sex life. We love sex. We cannot get enough of it. Sometimes, I send him text messages while I am at work about how I can’t wait to get home and have sex. Sometimes he comes home and surprises me with flowers. But lately, I’ve noticed that my sex drive no longer works for me. I have noticed how diminished my sex drive has become. I just cannot enjoy sex as I used to. I can see my husband's frustration mounting. Could my age be the cause of my diminished desire?
Discussion：
Throughout our lives, the levels of androgens available in the pituitary system fluctuate. Even if you haven't reached menopause or perimenopause yet, it is normal to experience a gradual decline in your libido due to age. For example, it is very common for a woman to desire sex less frequently at age 32 than she did at age 22. Our bodies can undergo a number or changes in 10 years, and human sexuality is a dynamic balance of physiological and psychological factors.
Why Does Female Sex Drive Decline with Age?
Most people, both male and female, experience some decrease in the amount of sex they wish to engage in (or that their bodies can handle) between their young adult years and their 40s. In women, DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones that regulate sexual desire typically peak during the early to mid 20s. After that, the circulating amounts of these hormones decline gradually over the years until they experience a sharp drop at the onset of menopause. In addition to regulating the sex drive, these hormones play important roles in maintaining vaginal elasticity and erectile tissue health, fueling physical symptoms of arousal, and triggering orgasms.
Despite the natural declines in androgen levels that continue throughout adulthood, most mature women remain sexual beings whose appreciations for the erotic are still alive and well. Thanks to evolving cultural attitudes towards female sexuality across our lifespan, many people understand that this is not only permissible, but also normal and healthy.
In addition to age, a there are a number of other possible causes for a decrease in libido. Prescription medications, hormonal contraceptives, or a high-stress lifestyle could cause changes in your natural hormone levels, leading to a decreased desire for sex or difficulties with sexual enjoyment.
How to Re-Energize your Sex Life
If you are entering menopause or near the typical age for the onset of perimenopause, your doctor may be able to diagnose the deficiency in testosterone, estrogen, or DHEA that could be negatively affecting your sex drive. However, even if you are diagnosed with a hormonal deficiency, you may not need hormone therapy to reignite the excitement in your passionate relationship with your husband. Ensuring that you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly will boost your body's natural hormone realignment capabilities.
In addition to lifestyle changes, certain herbal medications and supplements may assist with the physiological components of sexual desire. (TRY: Herbal Formula for Menopausal Passion Revival)
What to do
Young Again - Revive Passion for Menopausal Women
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