DECREASED LIBIDO (SEX DRIVE)

In addition to hormone changes which can reduce your sex drive, there are many physical symptoms which can occur during premenopause that affect your desire to be sexually active. Vaginal dryness and itching, a burning vulva, incontinence or recurring yeast infections (which worsen with intercourse) can all play a part, too. If none of these are a problem, but you still have little or no desire for sexual activity, consider whether one aspect of the issue is making love to the same person for 10 or 20 years has become rather monotonous. Especially for men, if something worked for you years ago, he will likely keep doing it (or more likely, an abbreviated version) until he learns an adjustment needs to be made.

Before you spend a lot of energy and money on why you don't feel the desire much (or at all), initiate a discussion with your partner about your sex life. This is the person we usually know better than anyone else, yet talking about this aspect of your intimacy takes some courage. If writing is easier for you than talking, write down your concerns on a nice card to give your guy (or gal). Include a suggestion for going out for a tea or coffee sometime to visit further. Many of the libido issues I've seen as an herbalist over the years has a lot to do with other relationship issues which have been shoved under the rug for years.

If you believe the problem to be purely physical, keep in mind that sexual function has two components. The first includes desire, motivation, fantasies, satisfaction and pleasure. The second is characterized by orgasmic response. Both functions are affected by a drop in estrogen and progesterone during and after the menopause transition. With the loss of estrogen, the vagina becomes thinner and shorter, making it susceptible to irritation and infection.

Sexual problems are very common during premenopause. Sexual problem symptoms may include painful intercourse during insertion or with deep penetration, diminished libido or arousal, and difficulty achieving orgasm.

Common complaints include:

• Decreased sensation or feeling in your genitals, clitoris or vagina during sexual stimulation.
• Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual stimulation.
• Painful sexual intercourse.
• Difficulty achieving orgasm during sexual stimulation or intercourse.
• Decreased sexual desire.
• Decreased overall sexual satisfaction.

Click below for more information on other symptoms: