Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Incorporated
Medical Herbalist

Email Susan E. Mead, M.H. at herbalist@susanemead.com for a quick, free mini-consultation.

Premenopause/Menopause Symptoms

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.

QUICK TIPS

• Pick up a copy of 'How to Make Love to the Same Person For The Rest of Your Life - And Still Love It!' by Dagmar O'Connor
• Consider getting some therapy to address underlying relationship issues
• Women with low sex drive and low-normal testosterone levels sometimes find DHEA helpful, but it should only be used under the guidance of your health care practitioner. I have concerns about long-term use.
• Damiana and American ginsengs are helpful herbs for sexual disinterest.

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider an herbal phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

Click below to get more information on other premenopause symptoms:

The Path to Better Living

You have already taken the first step on your journey.  I work directly with you to uncover the sources of your body's imbalance and create remedies to restore, rejuvenate, and heal.

1. We'll begin by filling out your Health History Form, to determine the best approach for your personal needs.  Download a PDF file of the form here.  If you do not have downloading capabilities, contact me and I will mail it to you promptly. 
    

2. Once you have filled out the appropriate information, send me the form, via email or snail mail, along with a recent photograph of yourself. 
    

3. We will next engage in a one-on-one private consultation, either in person or over the phone, where I can pinpoint the right herbal remedies and lifestyle changes for you.  For pricing, see my Herbal Consultations page.
    

4. I then create for you a customized health plan which will include suggestions for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will work in conjunction with a specially formulated herbal remedy that I design to target your personal needs.  Potential herb/drug interactions are taken into consideration.
    

5. Many patients begin treatment with one pound of dried herbs selected from my personal pharmacy, which you will enjoy as a strong tea known as an herbal infusion.  But most remedies are supplied in tincture form, with only a teaspoon or two per day needed to make it easy for you.
    

6. Approximately 80-85% of clients start seeing positive results within 2-4 weeks, often in just a few days.
    

7. I will continue to communicate with you via phone or email consultations, and we will work together to help you re-create the strongest, healthiest body possible.  In the case of chronic ailments, you may need to allow one month of treatment for each year you have had the problem. But you should see at least a 10% improvement in the first few weeks.

Begin Your Journey Now

Contact me or download the Health History Form now so we can move on to the next step to making you feel better, mind, body, and soul. 

To your health,

Susan E. Mead, M.H.

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