How to Get Your Sex Drive Back During Menopause
Keep your love life off life support by kick-starting a waning libido during menopause.
Up next in How to Improve Your Sex Life (50 videos)
Spice up your love life -- and learn how to handle any sexual situation that may arise -- with the advice in these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- A doctor's appointment
- Localized estrogen therapy
- Testosterone cream
- Lubricant
- Erotic materials
- A sex therapist referral
Steps
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Step 1
Get tested
Ask your doctor to test you for low thyroid function and iron deficiency; two disorders that can reduce your sex drive if left untreated.
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Step 2
Combat depression
Talk to your doctor if you think you may be depressed. Ask about switching antidepressants or lowering your dosage if you are taking one that may be affecting your sex drive.
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Step 3
Look into estrogen therapy
Ask about estrogen therapy localized to the vagina, which can help increase blood flow and sensitivity in your genitals. Choose between suppositories, creams, and insertable rings.
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Step 4
Consider using testosterone cream
Consult your doctor about compounded testosterone cream, which can increase sensation when applied to the vulva.
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Avoid oral estrogen medications and testosterone injections, which are linked to increased cancer risk.
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Step 5
Lubricate
Apply water-soluble lubricants to your vagina before sex to help keep tissue moist and minimize any discomfort.
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Step 6
Get creative
Enhance sexual desire by looking at erotic materials, such as videos or pictures, masturbating, and cultivating an active fantasy life.
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Get closer to your partner by engaging in physically pleasurable activities other than intercourse, such as giving each other sensual massages.
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Step 7
Seek counseling
Don't be ashamed to seek counseling if other efforts don't produce desired results. Ask your doctor for a referral to a sex therapist to get the boost you need to bring back desire.
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Did you know? Over 37 million women between ages 40 to 59 are going through menopause in the U.S.
