How Does Perimenopause and Menopause Affect a Woman’s Sex Drive?

Menopause is traditionally associated with a weaker sex drive. You may have even heard that nasty rumor that menopause causes women to completely lose interest in sex altogether. These outdated, unfounded cultural norms never end, right? 

Y’all, for countless women, this is a far cry from the reality of menopause. In fact, there’s actually a good chance your sex drive will increase at this time. 

Regardless of how you experience menopause, it’s still helpful to be prepared for the various ways menopause can affect your sex drive.  

Does Menopause Lower Sex Drive in All Women?

Absolutely not. Some women say they enjoy sex more, while others find that their desire or response is less intense than before. 

The main culprit for the latter group is declining levels of estrogen, which can reduce interest in sex and make it more difficult to become aroused. The lack of estrogen can also reduce natural lubrication to the vagina, making the vaginal canal feel less stretchy. This can cause pain during sexual activities involving penetration. 

Also, as you age, blood fills your genitals more slowly, so your vagina may not be as sensitive to stimulation as it was before menopause.

How Menopause Can Heighten Sex Drive

Of course, it’s widely known that many people remain sexually active throughout middle age (and well into older age). I’ve met plenty of postmenopausal women who say that menopause has not only heightened their sex drive but allowed them to explore long-withheld sexual desires.

They usually tell me that they just feel much more free and relaxed at this time in their lives. Instead of focusing all their time and energy on the demands from life, work or otherwise, these women can finally focus on their own needs. 

There’s a sense of relief that comes with entering this age, and that can be so liberating that it reinvigorates your sex drive. 

Staying Intimate Post-Menopause

Not everyone finds sex to be as pleasurable after menopause, and that’s alright. It doesn’t mean you have to give up on sexual activity. 

You can still have incredibly pleasurable and intimate sexual experiences by communicating with your partner and setting realistic expectations about your changing body. 

As a Board Certified Sex Therapist, I regularly help couples reconcile differences in sex drive that come with age. If you’re concerned about the effect menopause will have on your sex drive or your relationship, I can show you and your partner how to keep your sexual connection alive. 

Let’s work together. Schedule a free 15-minute consult today.

p.s. I’m offering in-person and virtual sessions in Austin, Texas as well as virtual sessions for those living in Texas or Florida.