Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean your sex life shouldn’t have to come to a screeching halt. As you approach 40, your reproductive cycle slows down and prepares to stop and your ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone. When this happens you may find it challenging to get aroused and excited about sex. You may even find that sex is uncomfortable, or painful and orgasm is difficult to achieve. In addition, weight gain, depression, anxiety and fatigue have you less confident in the bedroom. Here’s what happens biologically:
Vaginal Discomfort
One symptom that isn’t talked about enough is vaginal dryness, which directly impacts your ability to enjoy sex. Without estrogen, your vaginal walls become thinner, less elastic and less lubricated, which can cause discomfort during penetrative sex. Less natural lubrication impacts the pH of the vagina making it more alkaline. A healthy pH level is between 3.8 and 5 and this prevents bad bacteria and yeast from flourishing. Without estrogen to help maintain acidity, the vaginal microbiome, or flora is affected and makes the vagina more susceptible to infection. If you are experiencing frequent infections they also put a damper on your sex life.
Vaginal Sensitivity
Estrogen acts like natures Viagra — it increases blood flow to the genital area. This enhanced blood flow can lead to increased sensitivity in the clitoris, as it becomes engorged with blood and experiences heightened responsiveness to sexual stimulation. Estrogen can also influence the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the clitoral area. If your having a more difficult time achieving orgasm then its is likely because your estrogen levels are not high enough. It is only a rule of thumb, as the ability to orgasm doesn’t indicate sufficient levels of estrogen.
Mood and Desire
Hormones also influence mood and emotions — which can impact your desire for sexual intimacy. Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that play a role in sexual arousal and pleasure. By enhancing the activity of these neurotransmitters, estrogen can contribute to increased clitoral sensitivity and heightened sexual pleasure. Progesterone also supports your libido by promoting relaxation, and by reducing stress. If you find yourself less interested in having sex, or are too fatigued, stressed or un-motivated to consider it — then you will likely benefit from restoring these hormones.
What Role Does Testosterone Play?
Testosterone is a man’s sex hormone and gives him notable sexual characteristics and is needed for arousal and erections. On the other hand, estrogen is a woman’s sex hormone and gives her female characteristics. It is popular belief that testosterone is the only hormone that plays a role in a woman’s sexual health since it is known to give men a healthy sex drive.
However, a woman’s limbic system which is the part of the brain that regulates sexual behavior is full of estrogen receptors - NOT testosterone receptors. Testosterone can be converted to estrogen through aromatization and can indirectly help sex drive, but it is the estrogen that influences sexual desire in the female limbic system.
If you are currently on HRT and still have a low sex drive, it is an indication that you are not on the optimal therapy. If you are experiencing low desire then it is a sign that estrogen levels are low.
How can Inner Balance help?
As estrogen levels decline and lead to changes in clitoral sensitivity, vaginal wall fragility and decreased lubrication it makes women less interested in having sex. This is a very common problem with over 75% of women report that they experience vaginal dryness over the age of 40.
Small amounts of vaginal estrogen or testosterone cream are not sufficient because they don’t increase libido to the level women deserve. Clinical studies over the past decade of estrogen therapy, show that it is the most effective way to boost vaginal lubrication, sensitivity and sexual satisfaction. There is no reason any woman should not have a healthy sex life. At Inner Balance, we believe women deserve a healthy sex life after the age of 40 and that it can be better than ever. Our physicians are specialty trained in hormone replacement therapy and understand the nuances of a woman’s hormone journey. They are here to help you every step of way.
“This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.”