By Kate, Nurse-Educator
When I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Mary James, ND, sex educator Barbara Carrellas and Dr. Sharon Stills, NMD, to discuss libido changes in perimenopause and menopause, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Whether due to upbringing, individual modesty or lack of a supportive social circle, an open and frank discussion about the way menopause changes us sexually seems to be lacking for many women.
We think it’s about time for that to change and we hope you’ll join the conversation! Two of the most interesting ideas that stuck with me relate to using the years of menopausal hormone shift as an opportunity to evaluate where there’s room to change and grow as women and individuals.
The first idea is in relation to intimacy. Often, viewing intimacy as a connection that transcends the boundaries of intercourse and working to maintain or re-establish intimacy with a partner after many years can be enough to bring back the feelings of trust, support and connection to breathe life into a struggling sex drive. Not in a partnership right now? Maybe it’s time to check in and get intimately acquainted with yourself.
The second idea is that menopause is the perfect time to take stock of what’s serving us mentally, emotionally, and sexually, and take advantage of the opportunity to try something different. Throwing out the tired daily routines, limiting thought patterns, and toxic relationships, and bringing in new self-care rituals, learning opportunities and adventures is essential to nurturing the sense of self and moving into this next chapter with confidence and joy.
The same concept holds true for our sexual selves. This is a great time to make a “sexual bucket list,” giving yourself permission to let go of any part of your sex life that doesn’t serve you and get you excited about the endless options ahead.Maybe for you that means trying out a new position, location or toy (or perhaps something a little more risqué), while for someone else it means stepping out of the mindset of sex as her “every Saturday whether I care to or not” obligation.The only one who can know what will serve you is you, and there’s never been a better time to think of yourself honestly and completely.
What’s more, in this Hangout discussion our experts offer up some truly valuable insights about the causes and potential solutions for challenges to maintaining a healthy libido. They also suggest resources to help take these steps, and so much more. Touching on topics including the physiological reasons libido changes, the importance of hormonal balance in maintaining sex drive, ways to revive a dwindling libido, and whether we should even bother to try bringing it back (the answer might surprise you!) –it’s a fun and intriguing chat that you don’t want to miss!
* Information presented here is not intended to cure, diagnose, prevent or treat any health concerns or condition, nor is it to serve as a substitute professional medical care.
