Aging in females and sexual desire

Aging in females and sexual desire

Libido decline in aging women is natural, multifactorial and highly individual. it is not just hormones, it is also about how a woman feels in her body, her mind and her relationships.

Aging in women often leads to decrease in libido and sexual desire; this happens due to multiple factors such as hormonal, physical , emotional and social .

• Hormonal shifts (the core driver):

• Estrogen: its decline is the most significant factor; that leads to vaginal dryness and thinning tissues which make intercourse uncomfortable, it leads also to reduce blood flow to the genitals which dampens arousal and sensitivity .
• Testosterone: as with women aging its level decrease gradually and that reduces sexual desire in those women.

• Mental and emotional health:

• Stress, anxiety and depression increase cortisol level and that suppress libido.
• Body image issues and low self-esteem often triggered by physical changes like weight gain or skin aging can make women feel less desirable
• Sleep disturbances due to night sweats and insomnia lead to fatigue and no interest in intercourse.

à medications and health conditions (such as antidepressants, diabetes, hypertension and arthritis).

Some women feel liberated after menopause (no fear of pregnancy, more self-confidence) but others may feel loss of femininity which can affect sexual desire.

Many of these factors are modifiable with support, communication and medical interventions.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist