Sex is a subject that has remained far too long hidden in the closet of taboos! Advice intended for peri- and postmenopausal women has been hard to find, which is why we are tackling this subject right now.
Whether you wish to have an active sex life or not (which is not the case for everyone), it is not necessarily a subject you will feel comfortable discussing. When we talk with the women in our community, we would say that nine out of ten of them are not satisfied with their sex life in one way or another.
Studies have shown that 75% of women over 40 experience a drop in their libido and that 70% of them state that dryness is also an obstacle. Unfortunately, this symptom is very common.
Common symptoms in menopause
So what are the most common symptoms that prevent women from having a happy sex life during menopause? A low libido, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness (or vaginal atrophy!) and more difficult-to-achieve orgasms appear to be the main obstacles faced by many women.
Physical and psychological causes
The physical causes
Menopause: less frequent ovulation leads to a decrease in estrogen production, which can cause the vaginal walls to be drier, less firm, and less flexible. A decrease in progesterone can lead to breast tenderness and a low testosterone level can impact libido.
Fatigue: one of the main reasons you don't want to have sex is that you're simply exhausted! It's a recurring theme in our modern lives, where you have to take care of your family and your career.
Thyroid problems: the thyroid is your hormonal and metabolic regulator. It is what provides almost every cell in the body with the energy it needs to function. This includes your reproductive function, your sex hormones, and your mood. Therefore, if your thyroid is low, it is unlikely that you will feel sexy.
Nutrient deficiencies: awith age, nutrient absorption may decrease. This means that we can lack the nutrients our body needs to produce good hormone levels and regulate our energy, our mood, and our brain functions.
Hot flashes / night sweats: if you regularly experience hot flashes, it will be difficult to get in the mood! Not only do you not feel attractive, but snuggling up against another sweaty body is probably the last thing you want!
Medications: The side effects of some medications (for example, the contraceptive pill, certain forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or antidepressants) can lead to a decrease in libido.
The psychological causes
You feel less attractive: s if you get hot and sweat, or if you are embarrassed by weight gain and the changes in your body with age, you may find it a little harder to relax and feel comfortable in your private life.
Mood swings: sexual relationships depend so much on your mood! If you feel depressed, anxious, irritable, or flat, it will likely have an impact on your libido.
Relationship difficulties within your couple: you may not always be on good terms with your partner. You may have lost that little intimacy because you have ups and downs in your moods, your life in general, or for another reason. Or perhaps it’s him. In any case, if there are underlying relational issues, it is clear that a fulfilling sexual activity may be difficult.
Stress or anxiety: here we go again. If you feel stressed or anxious, it will be much more difficult to relax in order to have an intimate relationship.
But fortunately, whatever the reasons for this lack of libido, natural solutions exist.
Talk to your partner: explain to them what is happening in your body during this phase (use the information on our site if it can help you explain things!) If your partner can understand, they are more likely to help and support you during the most challenging moments. If that is not enough, psychological help might be useful or you may consult a sexologist.
Relax: take time for yourself, regardless of your commitments. Stress kills passion for sure! Try meditation, acupuncture, or other relaxation exercises. Do something you love every day, take a walk in nature, read, get a massage, talk to a good friend, watch a funny movie, or take a hot bath with Epsom salt.
Consider your diet: phytoestrogens help replace estrogen (soy, flax seeds, red clover extract), eat plenty of healthy fats (for sex hormones and lubrication), colorful vegetables, and avoid dietary stressors, including alcohol!
Exercise: Exercise stimulates circulation, blood flow, and oxygen throughout the body. So be sure to go out for a walk, practice yoga, pilates, strength training—anything that pleases you. But do not exercise too much, as it is another stress that could kill your libido.
Choose natural products: not only can many body care products irritate intimate areas, but they often contain chemicals that disrupt hormones, such as synthetic fragrances, which have been proven to interfere with hormonal cycles. Instead, choose natural and certified organic products (even better!).
Love your body: nous we sometimes speak to ourselves in a way that we would never speak to someone we love! When you hear a negative voice about a certain part of your body, transform it into a positive one.
When you see a lopsided belly, tell yourself that this belly has given birth to a child or that it is saving a little energy in case I ever need it one day. If you see wrinkles, be grateful to have lived long enough to have them.
Your body is an amazing thing, it supports a lot of things. Thank it every day for keeping you alive.
Practice saying positive affirmations about your body - even if you don’t believe them at first, you will begin to feel more positive about yourself, and it will help you feel better in your own skin.
Itching, irritation, burning… Vaginal dryness leads to discomfort and painful sexual intercourse. Here are the ways to avoid these inconveniences.
Sea Buckthorn Oil Rich in Natural Omega 7
Argousier fruit oil has a high nutritional value in essential fatty acids, indispensable for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes and relieving dry, inflamed skin. Very hydrating, it is an excellent remedy against intimate dryness to take during perimenopause and menopause.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Essential for the proper development and functioning of our body, omega 3s promote hydration of the mucous membranes. Their anti-inflammatory effect soothes irritated mucous membranes if you suffer from burns or itching. Choose quality brands containing at least 1000 mg of combined EPA/DHA.
Vitamins and minerals to make up for deficiencies
As we age, our body becomes less efficient at absorbing certain essential nutrients that the body needs to produce the proper levels of hormones.
Hot flashes, lack of energy, mood swings, drop in libido... When our hormones get out of balance, the entire body can be thrown off.
Our advice? Choose a multivitamin to cover your body's basic needs in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to balance your hormone levels, reduce stress and fatigue, and promote healthy digestion.
Maca to boost your libido
Maca, the ultimate natural Viagra, is a revitalizer and a sexual stimulant, thereby improving resistance to stress, physical strength, fertility, and sexual activity.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, it contains a carboxylic acid that acts on the central nervous system and thus stimulates sexual activity, as well as a sulfocyanate, renowned for being an aphrodisiac.
Maca also contains amino acids, such as arginine and histidine, which are essential to the metabolism of sexual activity.
Free yourself from menopause with the Harmonie cure.
The first regimen designed to soothe and provide lasting relief for the 48 symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, lack of energy, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, weight gain and more. Free yourself from menopause with Harmonie from Laboratoires üma®. Expert formula that is 100% natural and hormone-free.
With love, the üma team.
