L is for Loss of Libido
Covering the A-Z of Menopause and it’s impact in the workplace.
Find out more about the following: Anxiety, Brain Fog, Confidence, Diversity, Eye Problems, Fatigue, GSM (Geno-urinary Syndrome of Menopause), Hot Flushes, Ignorance, Knowledge, Low Mood, Memory Problems, Neurodiversity, Osteoporosis, Palpitations, Questions, Reduced Concentration, Skin Issues, Tearfulness, UTI’s, Vaginal Atrophy, Weight Gain, Xena, Yearning, Zzzz Sleep Problems.
OK, so loss of libido isn’t necessary a work-related issue per se, but when menopause symptoms impact our home life and relationships, it’s very hard to switch off the emotions caused by them at work too.
During the menopause transition, over 50% of women say their symptoms have a negative impact on their sex lives. The hormones estrogen and testosterone are responsible for controlling sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm, so when these hormones decline women often notice a shift in all these areas. The hormonal shift can also cause vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy which makes intercourse or intimacy painful or impossible for some. When this happens the brain will naturally send signals for us not to do something that it thinks will cause pain.
Women can often find it difficult to talk about sex even when things are going well, so when it becomes a problem for us, it’s easy to shut down rather than communicate what’s really going on which can lead to tension between partners, as the lack of intimacy can feel like rejection.
The menopause transition is also a time when women often fall out of love with themselves and their bodies. Skin and hair become drier, our bodies store more fat in the most unfortunate of places and our joints and muscles start to become more painful. Add this to the fact that some of the most common words associated with menopause are, old, moody, frumpy, crazy, and tired it’s easy to understand why we lose our va va voom. None of those words scream ‘sexy pin up girl’ do they?
However, it’s not all doom and gloom! There are some amazing products on the market from topical oestrogen to treat the symptoms directly, to moisturisers and lubricants to help things along. And understanding more about the peri menopause and the symptoms it can bring, can enable women to make healthier lifestyle choices that can reignite our lost mojo!
The important thing for women to remember is, you are not alone, this is a normal and very common symptom of menopause, and for all partners out there wondering what’s going on, be patient and understanding so that your partner feels loved in every way.
