As women approach menopause, many notice a shift in their sex drive. This is largely due to the changes in hormone levels that occur during this period. During perimenopause and menopause, the production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone decreases, resulting in decreased sexual desire. This decrease can be further exacerbated by other symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
This blog post will delve into the hormone fluctuations that cause these changes and explore how Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD, can assist you in reclaiming control of your sexual life through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
How Hormone Changes Contribute to Decreased Sex Drive
As women approach menopause, their hormone levels naturally change, which can cause a decrease in sexual desire or a slower sexual response. Some key hormones that play a role in this decline include:
- Estrogen: As estrogen levels fall during perimenopause and menopause, women may experience a variety of symptoms that can impact their desire for sex. Some common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings – all of which can affect one’s interest in sexual activity.
- Progesterone: Low progesterone levels can lead to low libido and difficulty becoming aroused. In addition, low progesterone can cause vaginal dryness which can make sex uncomfortable. For more information about the role of progesterone in women’s health, read The Crucial Role of Progesterone in Post-Menopausal Health.
- Testosterone: While testosterone is typically associated with men, women also produce this hormone in small amounts. Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy libido, and as levels decrease during menopause, women’s sexual desire can suffer. For more information about the role of testosterone in women’s health, read The Crucial Role of Testosterone in Women’s Health.
Hormonal and Body Changes
During menopause, the body undergoes hormonal changes which can lead to physical discomfort. These changes, primarily caused by declining estrogen levels, can affect sexual function and cause the following body changes:
- Vaginal discomfort – Thinning and drying of vaginal walls can occur, leading to less natural lubrication and discomfort during sex.
- Slowed sexual response – A decrease in sensitivity to touch may make it more difficult to become aroused, achieve orgasm, and result in less intense orgasms.
- Discomfort from physical symptoms – Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia can be bothersome, resulting in exhaustion and reduced interest in sex.
- Weight gain – A slower metabolism can lead to unwanted weight gain, which may negatively impact a woman’s self-image and lead to feeling less sexually attractive.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Solution for Low Libido
Fortunately, there is a treatment option available for women experiencing low libido due to hormone imbalances: bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones can help to rebalance your hormone levels and alleviate the symptoms that may be preventing you from enjoying a healthy and satisfying sex life.
BHRT focuses on using progesterone and estrogen to improve symptoms, as these are the two hormones that tend to fluctuate the most during perimenopause and menopause. When administered correctly, BHRT can help to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, fatigue, and other symptoms that may be preventing you from enjoying your sex life.
For more information about BHRT, read Bioidentical Hormones for Men and Women.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Denver
Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD, is a leading expert in BHRT for women in Denver, Aspen, and the surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Bruice has helped countless women regain balance and control over their sex lives using BHRT. His sole focus is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and he takes a personalized approach to ensure that each patient receives the right treatment for their specific needs.
If you’re experiencing low libido and other unpleasant symptoms associated with hormone changes, book an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Kenton Bruice. For our Denver location, call (303) 957-6686, for our Aspen location, call (970) 925-6655. We look forward to helping you feel your best!
Frequently Asked Questions About How Hormones Affect Libido
What Hormones Cause Low Libido?
Estrogen and progesterone are the two primary hormones responsible for low libido in premenopausal and menopausal women. As these hormones fluctuate, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that can negatively affect sexual desire. These symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain – all of which can make sex less enjoyable.
Can BHRT Help With Low Libido?
Yes. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help to balance hormones and alleviate the symptoms that may be preventing you from enjoying a healthy and satisfying sex life. By using bioidentical hormones – which are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the body – BHRT can help to rebalance your hormonal levels and alleviate the symptoms that may be preventing you from enjoying a healthy and satisfying sex life.
Will Increasing Estrogen Increase Libido?
Increasing estrogen levels can help relieve symptoms of menopause and perimenopause that may be affecting your sexual well-being. It is important to note, however, that individuals respond differently to hormone replacement therapy, so it’s best to speak with an expert like Dr. Kenton Bruice who can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs.