\n<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to point out that most, if not all, research around menopause and HSDD focused on cis-women. We wanted to acknowledge that other people including trans-men and non-binary folks also undergo menopause, but unfortunately, the research doesn\u2019t reflect that yet. When possible, we aim to use gender-neutral language.<\/strong><\/p>\n Menopause is like a right of passage of sorts. You\u2019ve made it through your reproductive years, have completed the cycles of crimson tides and cramps, you\u2019re now older and wiser.\u00a0<\/p>\n With all of that, you\u2019ve probably noticed some big changes in your body. Some expected, and others not so much.<\/p>\n Some of those changes may revolve around your vagina and your sex drive. As in, it may be way lower than what you\u2019re used to. Much to your dismay.<\/p>\n Menopause and hypo-what? Whew, that\u2019s a mouthful!<\/p>\n But when you break it down, it\u2019s easy to understand just what this disorder is all about.<\/p>\n Hypo means low or below normal. Sexual desire, well you can figure that one out for yourself.<\/p>\n Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, or HSDD, is marked by the deficiency or absence of sexual desire and sexual fantasies. Unlike people who identify as a-sexual, this absence of desire creates distress and possible interpersonal difficulties \u2013 especially with sexual or romantic partners.\u00a0<\/p>\n All of this can wear down on a person\u2019s self-confidence, physical and emotional satisfaction, and overall happiness.\u00a0<\/p>\n HSDD may occur in up to one-third of adult women in the U.S. A lot of different hormonal factors can contribute to someone developing HSDD like the use of hormonal birth control, pregnancy and postpartum, undergoing a hysterectomy, and you guessed it \u2013 menopause.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Having a low sex drive is one of the most commonly known side effects of menopause. HSDD isn\u2019t just a low sex drive. It\u2019s when your lack of sexual desire negatively impacts different areas of your life.<\/p>\n So what does that have to do with menopause?<\/p>\n Menopause occurs when a menstruating person stops having their period. Someone is officially post-menopausal after they\u2019ve gone a full year without a period.<\/p>\n As people age, their hormone levels change, this is one of the factors that leads to menopause. The hormone in question is estrogen, which you probably know as \u201cthe female hormone\u201d.<\/p>\n This decrease in estrogen can make the vagina less sensitive thanks to lower blood flow which can make vaginal tissues thinner. Lower estrogen levels can also impact vaginal lubrication, and just make someone less sensitive overall. Sex may even become uncomfortable or painful for people after menopause. Mental health changes and stress during menopause may also lower someone\u2019s sex drive and arousal.\u00a0<\/p>\n These factors build up, making someone want sex less and less, which leads to HSDD.<\/p>\n People who have more significant symptoms related to menopause like hot flashes, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, may be more likely to have a lower sex drive and develop HSDD.<\/p>\n One study found that while HSDD was present in 26.7% of premenopausal women sampled, that statistic rose to 52.4% of women who were naturally menopausal. The chances of someone developing menopausal HSDD may increase if menopause was induced via surgery.\u00a0<\/p>\n Not only that but distress amongst surgically menopause women with HSDD was about twice of their counterparts. This could be in part due to compounding stress from medical issues that led to the surgery, that they went through menopause earlier in life than they had expected, or that menopause came on much faster than if they had gone through it naturally.\u00a0<\/p>\n Those rates are just reflective of women diagnosed with HSDD, the actual prevalence of lowered libido amongst post-menopausal women may be closer to 68 to 86.5% of women.<\/p>\n If you suspect you may have HSDD after menopause, there are steps you can take to start enjoying your sex life again.\u00a0<\/p>\n These are some of the ways postmenopausal HSDD is treated:\u00a0<\/p>\n Hormone therapy is commonly used as a way to counteract the uncomfortable side effects of menopause.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are two main types of hormone therapy \u2013 topical and ingestable.<\/p>\n Topical estrogen is typically applied directly to the vagina to treat vaginal changes and discomfort. These come in creams and vaginal rings.<\/p>\n Other people choose to take estrogen pills as a form of hormone replacement therapy, which can help increase libido as well as negate other uncomfortable parts of menopause like hot flashes and mood changes.<\/p>\n While therapy may not be able to help with physical vaginal changes, it can help with the mental health changes that can impact your libido.<\/p>\n Therapy can be done as a couple or as an individual. You may even consider seeing a sex therapist who specializes in issues like HSDD.<\/p>\n Steps like switching up your diet and getting more physical activity may help you increase your sexual desire.\u00a0<\/p>\n It can be hard to get the engine started when the spark just isn\u2019t there, but if you\u2019re able to get in the mood or practice a little bit, you can try switching up your sex life by using toys in the bedroom, practising masturbation, and going on a sex staycation or vacation.<\/p>\n A medical professional can help you rule out any other factors that may be affecting your sexual desire, as well as give your practical tips to help you increase it.<\/p>\n Other reproductive health disorders like endometriosis and uterine prolapse may be contributing to your HSDD. A medical professional can help you get to the bottom of it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n All these changes can be difficult to cope with. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder may make you feel like you\u2019re not yourself anymore. It may take a little time to figure out what works for you, but there is hope. Before you know it, you\u2019ll once again be having a thriving sex life \u2013 maybe even better than before!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Low Sex Drive After Menopause<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What to Do About Post-Menopausal HSDD<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Hormone Therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Lifestyle and Sexual Changes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
See a Doctor<\/strong><\/h2>\n