Sex drive in menopause: treatment options

Libido changes during the menopausal transition are extremely common and rarely discussed in 8-minute appointments. The reasons are partly hormonal, partly physical (vaginal dryness, painful intercourse), partly psychological, and partly contextual — and untangling them is exactly the kind of work a 45-minute consultation is for.

What's hormonal

Oestrogen and (in women) testosterone both contribute to sexual desire and arousal. Both decline through menopause. Genitourinary symptoms — dryness, irritation, pain — make sex less appealing physically.

What helps

Topical treatment for genitourinary symptoms is highly effective and suitable even for women who can't or don't want systemic hormone therapy. Some women benefit from systemic hormone therapy where clinically appropriate. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with pain and arousal. Couples therapy or sex therapy is sometimes the right path.

Full article coming soon. The [pelvic and continence health page](/pelvic-health) covers the genitourinary side of the picture.

This is general health information and not medical advice. Your doctor will discuss your specific situation during a consultation.