Menopause Libido Changes

Low Libido in Menopause: Causes and What Can Help

Low libido in menopause means having less interest in sex during perimenopause and after menopause. It is very common. It can be caused by lower hormone levels, vaginal dryness, tiredness, stress, mood changes or relationship worries. Many of these causes can be treated, so you do not have to just accept it.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About Low Libido in Menopause

  • Less interest in sex is a common menopause symptom.

  • Lower hormone levels can reduce sex drive.

  • Vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable, which can lower desire.

  • Tiredness, stress and low mood also play a part.

  • Lubricants, moisturisers and treatment can help.

  • Talking openly with your partner and doctor is the first step.

What Is Low Libido?

Libido means sex drive, or how much you want to have sex. Everyone's sex drive is different, and it changes through life. It is only a problem if it bothers you or your relationship.

During menopause, you may notice:

  • Thinking about sex less often

  • Less interest when your partner wants to be close

  • Taking longer to feel aroused

  • Finding sex less enjoyable than before

Why Does Menopause Lower Your Sex Drive?

There is usually more than one reason.

  • Lower hormones. Estrogen and testosterone both drop with age. Both play a part in sex drive.

  • Vaginal dryness. Dryness can make sex sore or painful. When sex hurts, you may want it less. Read more about painful sex after menopause.

  • Tiredness and poor sleep. It is hard to feel interested in sex when you are exhausted.

  • Stress, anxiety and low mood. These can all lower sex drive.

  • Body changes. Weight gain or other changes can affect how you feel about yourself.

  • Relationship issues. Lack of time together or unspoken worries can affect desire.

  • Some medicines. Some antidepressants and blood pressure medicines can lower sex drive.

  • Drinking too much alcohol.

How Can You Feel More Interested in Sex?

These steps can help:

  • Talk to your partner. Share what has changed and how you feel. This helps you both understand.

  • Make time for closeness. Touching, cuddling and time together without pressure can help.

  • Take things slowly. Spend more time on foreplay. It helps your body get ready.

  • Use a lubricant. A water-based lubricant can make sex more comfortable.

  • Use a vaginal moisturiser. Used regularly, it keeps the area moist. Read more about vaginal moisturisers.

  • Look after yourself. Good sleep, exercise and less stress can lift your energy and mood.

  • Cut down on alcohol.

Sirona Products for Comfort

  • Bleu Bliss Lubricant from Sirona is a water-based lubricant. It can make sex more comfortable if dryness is a problem. Water-based lubricants are safe to use with condoms. Oil can damage condoms.

  • The Sirona Menopause Intimate Cream is a hormone-free cream for dryness and irritation on the skin around the vagina. It is for outside use only.

These products can help with comfort. They do not treat low libido itself.

What Treatments Can a Doctor Suggest?

A doctor will look at what is causing your low sex drive. Treatment depends on the cause.

  • For vaginal dryness: low-dose vaginal estrogen, which you use inside the vagina.

  • For menopause symptoms: hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help with dryness, sleep, mood and other symptoms that affect sex drive.

  • Testosterone: some women may be offered testosterone if HRT alone has not helped their sex drive. This is a specialist treatment.

  • For mood: talking therapy or medicine for anxiety or depression.

  • Changing a medicine that may be lowering your sex drive.

  • Counselling: relationship or sex therapy can help couples talk and reconnect.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor if:

  • Low sex drive is worrying you or affecting your relationship.

  • Sex is painful.

  • You think a medicine may be affecting your sex drive.

  • You also feel low, anxious or very tired.

  • You bleed after sex.

It can feel awkward to talk about sex. But doctors talk about this every day, and help is available.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

  1. NHS. Loss of libido. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/loss-of-libido/

  2. NHS. Menopause: things you can do. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/things-you-can-do/

  3. NHS. Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

  4. NICE. Menopause: identification and management (NG23). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

  5. Sirona Menopause Intimate Cream product page. https://thesirona.com/products/intimate-cream

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.