Have great sex during menopause

Seventy percent of menopausal women have a low libido or sex drive. This is often temporary and usually occurs at the beginning of menopause. In some, however, it may haunt them for the rest of their lives.

So what’s the reason behind a diminishing sex drive? Bladder control problems, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and stress all contribute to loss of interest in sex during this period.

But a major reason is changes in hormone levels of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone that result in a hormonal imbalance. These hormones have specific roles to play in enhancing your sexual desire. Estrogen helps heighten your sensitivity during sexual intercourse. Progesterone keeps your libido up while testosterone, a male sex hormone, boosts sexual desire and lubricates the vagina.

No drug has been discovered yet that can treat sexual problems. Estrogen replacement therapy can make intercourse less painful by treating vaginal dryness. But recent research has yielded conflicting results with regards to estrogen’s effectiveness. In-depth studies are currently underway to determine whether a combination of estrogen and the male hormone androgen may help increase the sex drive of women.

While many women eventually learn to live with their low sex drive and no longer seek treatment, they can still avail of a variety of treatment options. If low libido interferes with personal relationships, it can become even more problematic in the long run.

Although sexual problems can be difficult to discuss, talk to your doctor and seek adequate counseling. Your doctor may refer you and your partner to a health professional who specializes in sexual dysfunction. The therapist may advise counseling on an individual basis with your partner or in a support group. This type of counseling can be very successful even when it is done on a short-term basis.

Great things start with simple stuff. If your sex drive isn't as good as it used to be but you don't think you need counseling, take time for intimacy with your partner. Intimacy is not all about sex or intercourse. There are a thousand ways to express love. Have quality time together - you can take long romantic walks, go out for candlelit dinners or give each other back rubs.

Remember to check with your doctor if lower libido becomes a serious problem. He or she may recommend a supplement that can help increase your libido like Zalestra. Check out www.zalestra.com to find out more.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com.