A loss of libido is common during menopause, affecting 20-40% of women. Psychological and physiological factors like mood, relationships, hormone fluctuations, and vaginal dryness can influence libido. Dietary changes including foods high in vitamins A, B2, B12, C, and minerals as well as lifestyle changes and exercises like Kegels may help boost libido. Alternative herbal supplements are also beneficial for some women in increasing libido during menopause in a natural way.

1. Menopause
and Libido

2. Index
Page
About Libido 2
Psychological Influences 2
Treatments for Loss of Libido 4
Diet 4
Vitamins and Minerals 7
Lifestyle Changes 8
Alternative Medicine 9
Conventional Drugs 10
Kegel Exercises 10
References 12

3. Menopause and Libido
About Libido
A loss of libido during menopause is common,
affecting as many as 20 to 40% of women.
Libido is the conscious or unconscious sex
drive that describes sexual desire and interest.
This relates to the psychological sex drive and
the physiological libido. The psychological
definition of libido relates to a woman's
conscious desire for sex, whereas the
physiological relates to her bodily responses
to sexual advances.
Psychological influences
The psychological libido can be affected by a
woman's mood, emotions and personal
relationships. If she is suffering from severe
stress at work, or relationship problems, she
will not in the mood for sex. Fluctuating
hormones and fatigue and also common
causes.

4. Menopause and Libido
Physiological influences
This links a woman's libido with her body's
physical responses to sexual advances. Loss of
vaginal lubrication can adversely affect a
woman's libido. Such physiological factors can
mean that although a woman is emotionally
in the mood for sex, her body is not
responding to the mood.
Vaginal dryness is caused by an imbalance of
estrogen hormones affecting vaginal moisture
levels. Vaginal dryness can make sex painful
and uncomfortable for women.
A decrease in testosterone levels during
menopause can lead women to have a
decrease in their libido levels.

5. Menopause and Libido
Treatments for Loss of Libido
It is important that a woman is eating
healthily and takes regular exercise, both of
which are activities that have been shown to
boost libido. Additionally, there are natural
supplements that boost hormone levels and
can positively affect the libido.
Diet
Chocolate
Contains phenylethylamine; a chemical that
can generate feelings of love and excitement.
Especially in its raw form, when eaten
everyday this antioxidant-rich aphrodisiac will
boost libido

6. Menopause and Libido
Mango
The high vitamin E content balances hormone
levels. Try having a cup of sliced mango in
cereal or a salad.
Raw Garlic or garlic supplements
The allicin content also generates better blood
circulation to your sexual organs.
Cranberry
They are full of vitamin C and antioxidants,
which fend off bladder infections and flush
out toxins and bacteria through the urinary
tract. They can also greatly reduce bloating, a
common symptom of menopause.

7. Menopause and Libido
Avocados
Thyroid deficiencies are prevalent among
menopausal women, however the potassium
in avocado helps regulate the thyroid glands.
Studies have found that thyroid problems can
reduce sex drive.
Dates
The high iron content will support ovulation
processes, so that your hormones are in
check. Also, the amino acids and natural
sugars increase stamina and enhance your
mood.

8. Menopause and Libido
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin A - This is one of the key components in
boosting sex drive as it helps increase estrogen
production. Make sure to include in your diet
vitamin A rich foods like liver, cheese and milk.
Vitamin B2 - Important in the processing of
proteins, carbohydrates and fats, vitamin B2 is a
key part of lubricating the body on the inside.
Keeping everything moist is key in increasing
sexual desire. Look to eat meat and dairy products
for this.
Vitamin B12 - This works with the nervous system
to increase nerve functions and sensitivity.
Vitamin C - boosts libido as it maintains and builds
blood vessels in the body.

9. Menopause and Libido
Lifestyle Changes
These can include simple changes to a daily
routine, like introducing a relaxing hobby into
a stressful schedule or cutting back on a busy
schedule.
Some women find that eating estrogenic
foods, such as soy, are hugely helpful in
increasing libido in menopausal women.
Seeking the help of a therapist or increasing
their level of physical activity has also proved
beneficial to some women.

10. Menopause and Libido
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine, such as natural herbal
supplements, are immensely helpful to
menopausal women seeking to increase
libido.
A variety of supplements made from either
phytoestrogenic herbs or non-estrogenic
herbs help increase libido in a safe and
natural way. Non-estrogenic supplements are
recommended, as they incite a woman's body
to naturally balance hormone levels.

11. Menopause and Libido
Conventional Drugs
Conventional drugs involve replacing lost
hormones with synthetic ones (hormone
replacement therapy or HRT). This method is
often the quickest, but is accompanied by
dangerous side effects. It has been linked with
an increased risk of developing blood clots,
heart disease and cancer.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are the best way to strengthen
the pelvic muscles. The exercises consist of
contracting and relaxing the various muscles
that make up the pelvic floor. These muscles
are the pubococcygeus muscles, but are
better known as PC muscles.

12. Menopause and Libido
Kegel exercises help a woman's libido in two
ways:
One way is that exercising the pelvic muscles
will result in them being tighter meaning that
sex becomes more pleasurable.
The other way is that Kegel exercises also
promote the health of the arteries in your
body, which will improve the blood flow to
your pelvic area, which increases pleasure.

13. Menopause and Libido
References
• Studd, John. "Loss of Libido and
Menopause". The Management of
Menopause. Annual Review 1998. Partenon
Publishing.
• Channon L.D and Ballinger S.E. "Some
Aspects of Sexuality and Vaginal Symptoms
during Menopause and their Relation to
Anxiety and Depression". British Journal of
Medical Psychology. June 1986. 59 (2): 173-
80.