Perimenopause And Libido

Introduction

Perimenopause is a phase in a person assigned female at birth’s (AFAB) life, where the body transitions towards menopause. It often starts in a person AFAB’s 40s, but this varies and can begin earlier or later. In perimenopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen, causing irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms for instance hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in libido.¹

Libido is a person's sexual desire or drive. This is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Alterations in libido can take place for various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, relationship dynamics, and general health.

Understanding the relationship between perimenopause and libido is important for female health and well-being. As people with AFAB navigate perimenopause, they may experience changes in libido – this can impact their sexual satisfaction and overall quality of life. By recognising and addressing these changes, people with AFAB can better manage their symptoms and maintain a healthy sexual life.²

Understanding Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a natural stage in a person AFAB’s life when their body shifts into menopause this commonly starts in their 40s, but this varies. During perimenopause, the ovaries slowly produce less oestrogen – altering the menstrual cycle and producing various symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of perimenopause can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. These symptoms can occur years before menopause and may persist for several years afterwards.

Hormonal changes during perimenopause

Hormonal changes play a large role in perimenopause. Oestrogen levels fluctuate, with a decline in progesterone production. These hormonal changes can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause irregular periods. These decreasing oestrogen levels can contribute to symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.³

Exploring Libido

Libido is sexual desire or drive. Human sexuality plays a crucial role in intimate relationships and general health. A healthy libido can contribute to satisfaction and sexual fulfilment.⁴

Factors influencing libido

Biological Factors: Biological factors include hormone levels, general health, and age, which can affect libido. For example, hormonal changes during perimenopause, including reduced oestrogen, can alter sexual desire. Certain medical conditions or medications can also impact libido.

Psychological Factors: Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and body image issues, can also affect libido. Emotional well-being and mental health play a significant role in sexual desire. Addressing underlying psychological concerns can help improve libido.

Relationship Dynamics: The quality of a person's intimate relationship and communication can impact libido. Trust, intimacy, and emotional connection can enhance or reduce sexual desire. Open communication and understanding are essential for maintaining a satisfying sexual relationship.⁵

Normal variations in libido

It's important to recognise that libido can vary from person to person and may fluctuate over time. Factors such as age, life events, and hormonal changes can contribute to variations in sexual desire. It's normal for individuals to experience changes in libido throughout their lives, and these fluctuations are often a natural part of human sexuality.⁶

The impact of perimenopause on libido

Hormonal Fluctuations and their effects on libido

During perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations, mainly declining oestrogen levels, significantly affect libido. Oestrogen plays a large role in maintaining vaginal lubrication and sensitivity – these are both important aspects of sexual arousal. As oestrogen levels decrease, some people with AFAB can experience vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse, leading to a decrease in sexual desire.

Common Changes in sexual desire during perimenopause

Women commonly experience changes in sexual desire during perimenopause – such as a decrease in libido. Others may experience an increase or fluctuations in sexual desire. Hormonal changes, physical symptoms (e.g., hot flashes or mood swings), and emotional factors can all contribute to these variations.

Physical and emotional factors affecting libido during this stage

Physical factors such as vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and changes in body image can alter libido during perimenopause. Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression play a large role in sexual desire. Relationship dynamics and communication with a partner may influence libido during this stage of life.⁷

It's essential for people AFAB experiencing changes in libido during perimenopause to seek support and discuss their concerns with healthcare professionals. Addressing underlying physical and emotional factors can help improve sexual satisfaction and overall well-being during this transitional phase.

Coping strategies and management

Communication with healthcare professionals

Communicating with healthcare professionals is crucial for managing changes in libido during perimenopause. These professionals can offer guidance, support, and personalised treatment options based on individual needs.

Lifestyle adjustments to support libido

Nutrition and Exercise: A balanced diet can support general health and well-being – to positively impact libido. Regular exercise can also boost mood, reduce stress, and increase self-confidence – to contribute to a healthy libido.

Stress Management Techniques: Stress can negatively affect libido, therefore finding stress management methods is important – such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness. Engaging in activities you enjoy, spending time with loved ones, and prioritising self-care can help reduce stress levels.⁸

Therapy 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For some people experiencing significant perimenopause symptoms, such as severe hot flashes or vaginal dryness impacting libido, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended. HRT can help reduce symptoms - by replacing oestrogen and sometimes progesterone that the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts.

Counselling or Therapy: Counselling or therapy can be helpful in addressing emotional factors that can affect libido during perimenopause. Talking to a therapist can provide support, guidance, and strategies for coping with changes in libido, as well as addressing any relationship issues or self-esteem concerns.

By incorporating these coping strategies and management techniques into daily life, women can support their libido and improve overall well-being during perimenopause.

Tips for maintaining healthy libido during perimenopause

Open communication with partner

Maintaining open and honest communication with your partner is crucial in navigating alterations in libido during perimenopause. Discussing feelings, concerns, and desires can strengthen a relationship and foster intimacy, during this phase of life.

Exploration of alternative forms of intimacy

Exploring other forms of intimacy can maintain a satisfying and fulfilling sexual relationship during the perimenopause phase. This includes activities such as cuddling, kissing, sensual massages, or trying new sexual techniques that prioritise pleasure and connection over performance.

Prioritising self-care and well-being

Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is pivotally important in maintaining a healthy libido during perimenopause. Prioritise self-care activities such as regular exercise, sleeping, relaxation techniques, and engaging in joyful and fulfilling activities.

Summary

Perimenopause is a natural phase in a person AFAB’s life, characterised by the hormonal changes impacting libido. Understanding the factors affecting libido during this stage, such as hormonal fluctuations, physical symptoms, and emotional factors, is fundamental for managing changes in sexual desire.

Experiencing changes in libido during perimenopause is common, and there are many solutions available to help – such as seeking support from healthcare professionals, counsellors, or support groups to address concerns and explore treatment options.

Embracing perimenopause as a natural phase of life can reduce stigma and provide a sense of empowerment. Approaching this stage of life with understanding, positivity, and a willingness to adapt, can help navigate changes in libido with grace and resilience.

The female experience with perimenopause and libido is unique, and therefore it's essential to experiment with different methods to maintain a fulfilling and satisfying sex life.