Women reaching menopause may notice that their libido, or sex drive, is changing. Low sex drive in women after menopause is common and has many potential causes including decreased hormone levels, medical conditions, emotional or psychological problems, stress, and anxiety, etc. Menopause symptoms like depression, mood swings, weight gain, and hot flashes also make you less interested in sex. During menopause, the decreasing level of testosterone and estrogen levels may make you disinterested in sex.
However, if the root cause of low libido can be identified, it can lead to effective treatment options. If you are experiencing a loss of libido during menopause, you can try to increase your sex drive with lifestyle changes.
Sex can deplete your ojas or vigour—the vital essence that gives you strength and immunity. Strong ojas help to make bodily tissues stable and also supports a strong mind, clear consciousness, and better stress resilience. So, to treat loss of libido during menopause, you will need to have a nourishing, ojas-building lifestyle.
Home remedies for loss of libido
Many women find that simple home remedies help them to regain lost libido after they have reached menopause.
Regular aerobic exercise: Do more physical activities like morning and evening walks, exercises, including aerobic exercise (brisk walking, jogging), and strength training. They help to increase stamina and strength. Regular aerobic exercise will make you feel better, boost your self-esteem and in turn, boost your libido.
Relieve stress: Stress and anxiety play a negative impact on libido, particularly during menopause. If you feel stressed out find the root cause of the problem, tackling this will increase your libido levels. Relieving stress will definitely help. For this, Ayurveda suggests yoga and meditation. High levels of cortisol suppress sex hormones, which can lead to low libido. Restorative practices like meditation and yoga help in reducing cortisol levels that may ultimately help increase your libido.
Get enough sleep: With menopause, you tend to get less sleep. But the right amount of sleep is essential. This is important for maintaining health. Less sleep also makes you irritated and short-tempered.
Diet: One of the biggest factors that might be affecting your sex hormones is your dietary intake. Ayurveda suggests certain foods that are said to increase libido in women during menopause. Foods containing magnesium are good for this condition. Figs, bananas, and avocados are considered libido-boosting foods, known as aphrodisiacs. Foods rich in omega-3 fats help to support nerve and neurotransmitter actions that help in sexual function while foods rich in zinc such as pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, spinach, and eggs support proper and speedy blood flow. However, a diet that lacks essential vitamins and minerals and is filled with chemical preservatives and sweeteners will definitely have the opposite effect on your sex hormones.
Intimacy with your partner: Emotional intimacy and mutual understanding between the partners lead to balanced and healthy sex lives. If you do not have intimacy with your partner, your sexual desire will naturally reduce. It is important that you communicate well with your partner to increase your emotional bond.
Herbal remedies: If your loss of libido is associated with other symptoms of the menopause such as tiredness or memory lapses, you can use a supplement containing isoflavones. Soya beans are rich in this substance and the best supplements are made from fermented soy. Isoflavones are known as phytoestrogens as they mimic the action of estrogens produced by the body.
Add basil and garlic to your food. The smell of basil stimulates the senses. Garlic, on the other hand, contains high levels of allicin that increases blood flow. Ginkgo biloba, an extract derived from the leaf of the ginkgo tree, is a herb found to treat anti-depressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
There is some evidence that Maca (Lepidium meyenii) plant extract taken about 3 mg per day improves sexual desire. It also acts as an anti-depressant. It also enhances the energy and quality of life.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds are known for anti-inflammatory and libido-boosting effects. Some studies show the herb positively influences sex hormones. It is important to note that fenugreek may interfere with certain medications.
