How To Reverse a Low Libido During Menopause: 9 Science-Backed Ways to Rev Your Sex Drive

Not feeling “in the mood” as much? Studies have shown that more than half of women experience drops in their sex drive following menopause. Declining estrogen and testosterone levels can reduce desire and trigger issues such as vaginal dryness or pelvic floor troubles that make intimacy less enjoyable. The good news? We’ve rounded up the best ways to reverse a low libido quickly and naturally. Read on to see what really works. 

How to reverse a low libido during menopause

If your desire for sex isn’t what it used to be, these easy remedies can help you feel ready for intimacy again—plus make it more enjoyable.

Reach for a vaginal moisturizer

As estrogen levels decline, vaginal tissues can become drier and thinner, making sex painful. One thing that may help: a vaginal moisturizer made with hydrating hyaluronic acid. A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who applied it once every three days for a total of 10 applications saw a significant improvement in their vaginal dryness. One to try: Vagisil ProHydrate Moisturizing Gel.

Woman's World Answers

Are estrogen therapy and hormone therapy safe? What’s causing black spots in my vision? How can I make sex after menopause more enjoyable? How can I boost my longevity? What do uterine fibroid symptoms look like after menopause? Are estrogen therapy and hormone therapy safe? What’s causing black spots in my vision? How can I make sex after menopause more enjoyable? How can I boost my longevity? What do uterine fibroid symptoms look like after menopause?

Can you delay menopause? What are the symptoms of a thunderclap headache? What does it mean if I’m craving salt? What diet is best for diabetes and prediabetes? What’s a normal body temperature for my age? Can you delay menopause? What are the symptoms of a thunderclap headache? What does it mean if I’m craving salt? What diet is best for diabetes and prediabetes? What’s a normal body temperature for my age?

Powered by

Also smart: Opting for silicone-based lubricants during sexual activity. Research shows they’re more “slippery” and won’t cause vaginal dryness over time like water-based formulas can.  

Aging

3 Ways To Make Sex After Menopause More Enjoyable (No Vaginal Dryness!)

It’s no secret that menopause can impact many parts of your life. Suddenly, everything from your mental health to your body temperature (hello, hot flashes!) feels like it’s in flux—even your joints may start to ache. While these symptoms tend to get all the attention, there’s far less discussion around sex after menopause, from what […]

Take a walk

It’s no surprise that exercise helps us feel good about ourselves, which can help spark desire. Research in the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews shows that exercise can improve a woman’s sexual arousal and increase sexual satisfaction, both from the body image boost and the increase in blood flow needed to improve sexual health. In addition, early postmenopausal women in the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study who exercised more frequently were found to have a higher degree of sexual desire.

Supplement with ginseng

A review published in the journal Medicine found that women who took Korean red ginseng were more interested in sex and enjoyed it more than those who didn’t. And several animal studies suggest that ginseng has a relaxing effect on vaginal muscles, though more research is still needed. One to try: Solaray Korean Ginseng Root.

Practice mindfulness

A surprising study in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that mindfulness techniques such as focusing on awareness of physical sensation and sexual thoughts helped boost desire in women. Mindfulness practices such as focusing on your breath at regular intervals throughout the day or body scanning (Check out this video to get started) helps block out distractions and allows you to get in touch with your body to reverse a low libido.

Scent your room with neroli

Researchers in South Korea found that inhaling the scent of neroli essential oil for just five minutes a day can boost sexual desire for postmenopausal women by as much as 270 percent. The aroma soothes stress and relaxes the body, making you more likely to be interested in intimacy.

Boost your B intake

Fatigue can be one of the biggest culprits of low libido. But if you find yourself too tired to be in the mood, an energy-boosting B-vitamin supplement can help improve your sex drive during menopause. A study in the International Journal of Medical Sciences suggests increasing your B-vitamin intake over 28 days reduces overall fatigue and renews your energy. One to try: Country Life Coenzyme B Complex.

Change your routine

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

While night may seem like the best time for sex, making time to enjoy intimacy in the morning can help reverse a lowlibido. A study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that getting a good night’s sleep improved genital arousal in women. Participants who slept longer than seven hours and 22 minutes saw the best results. 

Wellness

Vaginal Dryness After 50? It May Be GSM—See the Signs and Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing vaginal discomfort during menopause, you’re far from alone—up to 84 percent of postmenopausal women deal with the issue, according to a study in Menopause. In fact, the changes to your vagina that occur during menopause are so common, they have an official name: genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). The good news? A […]

Try Siberian rhubarb 

Bladder bothers and frequent UTIs can interfere with sexual function. And changes in hormone levels during menopause disrupt the pH levels in the bladder, making you more susceptible to libido-sapping urinary issues. But a study in the Journal of Mid-Life Health found that taking 4 mg of Siberian rhubarb extract daily reduced urogenital menopausal symptoms by 68 percent, making it easier to feel “in the mood” again.

Strike a yoga pose

The yoga poses that keep your body strong and limber can help reverse a low libido. Research in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice revealed that yoga poses such as plank and locust help stretch and strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which reduces discomfort and increases pleasure. Yoga also eases stress and anxiety, which can inhibit your sex drive, especially during menopause. Hold each pose for at least 30 seconds daily to get the benefit.