A lack of interest in sex can occur at any age, and for any of a number of reasons. While it can be a little bit intimidating to speak to a doctor about a lowered sex drive, for many women this is a very important issue that deserves attention. In addition to the problems that it can cause in relationships, a lowered libido can be a symptom of other conditions, ranging from depression to hormonal fluctuations and medication issues. When determining the cause of a lowered libido, a doctor will want to speak to the woman in question about every aspect of her life, from the way she is treating her body to the psychological stresses she may be encountering.
For many women, psychological factors are at the root of their lowered libido. The sudden drop in libido of many women after they give birth is just one example of a situation in which a woman may have a psychological as well as a physical cause for her lack of interest in sex. Stress, her changing view of her body, and even concerns about becoming pregnant again (if a pregnancy is undesirable) can all play a role in a lowered libido.
However, new mothers are not the only ones who may experience a lowered libido due to psychological factors. Women who are experiencing excessive amounts of stress due to relationships, family issues, work obligations, or other sudden life changes such as a move may also find sex sinking in their list of priorities. Likewise, women who are experiencing a lack of confidence in their bodies due to scars, weight gain, or other issues may lose interest in sex. All of these factors can typically be overcome with stress reduction techniques as well as therapy in some instances. However, there are other cases in which a lowered libido has a physiological root.
Various types of medications can lead to a lowered libido. Among these are antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, as well as anti-seizure medications. Medications aren’t the only chemicals that can affect libido – alcohol, drugs, and even smoking can all affect libido and arousal, and for many women eliminating these lifestyle factors can be an important step in regaining her sex drive.
It is true that many women experience a lowered libido as a result of aging, and especially as they begin the transition into menopause. While many women regard this as a natural part of going through the menopausal process, it is important to understand that menopause does not have to be a libido killer – and for many women, menopause is, in fact, a great, liberating experience that allows her to enjoy her sex life without fear of pregnancy. Many women who find themselves with a lowered libido as a result of menopause can benefit greatly from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which helps to restore balance to her hormones and can also reduce other menopausal symptoms such as lethargy and weight gain that may also contribute to a loss of libido.
