For many women, menopause brings unexpected side effects. Among them, few are as notorious as hot flashes, the seemingly inescapable heat that makes your heart race and can leave you feeling feverish but chilled. In the midst of menopausal symptoms such as these, many women struggle to maintain their intimate connections; people who do not feel well tend not to want intense physical contact. However, did you know that there are multiple options to help ease the impact hot flashes have on your sex drive? Therapy is just one choice.
While a therapist cannot prescribe medication or treat menopausal symptoms, they provide invaluable support for the less tangible facets of waning intimacy due to menopause symptoms. This includes psychological triggers, such as stress, a gradually increasing lack of connection, and more. If you are struggling to enjoy your partnership due to a fragile sex drive, here are some of the best things you can do about it.
Remove Stressors
When it comes to the disconnect in intimacy that menopause (and especially hot flashes) can cause, one of the significant contributors is stress. Women may be stressed about the state of their relationship, how they feel in their bodies, or even their daily responsibilities. All of these factors can lead to a decline in sexual interest and energy. Stress itself can also contribute to the severity of hot flashes.
The good news is that studies show that using mindfulness to decrease stress has clinically significant benefits for women experiencing hot flashes. By reducing your stress, you can open yourself up to more enriching intimacy and minimize the impact of hot flashes.
What is the best way to do this? For many women, therapy is successful. A therapist can teach coping skills and mindfulness techniques to help you identify stressors, stay calm in their presence, and mitigate their long-term impact on your life. This is a valuable skill that translates to many areas of daily living.
Focus on Physical Health
Another thing women can do to restore their sex drive is pay attention to their physical health. During menopause, many women get less exercise because they simply do not feel good; hot flashes, joint aches, mood swings, weight gain, and more can all disincentivize staying healthy.
However, investing in whole-body health can have a noticeable impact on your sex drive. The proper nutrition and hydration can help to combat some of the symptoms of menopause, such as decreased vaginal lubrication, which may make sex less appealing.
Cultivate Connection
For those entering menopause, the concept of an intimate relationship has likely been an important factor in life for many years. This can make things feel stale, which may gradually decrease libido alongside the hormonal changes occurring during this stage of life. If you want to keep your sex drive flourishing, work on cultivating connection, not just waiting for it to happen.
For example, consider scheduling sex with your partner. This might not seem very romantic, but it is an effective method of making sure you get uninterrupted time together to maintain closeness. Try new things, because studies show that being curious and adventurous can promote the release of happy, rewarding chemicals that reestablish the bond between you and your partner. If you need help in this arena, consider working with a therapist. They can teach you how to communicate clearly and cultivate a connection with intention.
Talk to Your Doctor
Therapy is helpful for many facets of intimate connection, but it cannot address some physical symptoms as your doctor can. As part of your quest to restore your sex drive, be sure to schedule an appointment with your regular healthcare provider. They can test your hormones and make sure everything is within appropriate limits. They may also be able to prescribe supplementary hormones to decrease the side effects of menopause. If you feel better thanks to reduced discomfort, you are more likely to jump back into your sex life with enthusiasm.
Sleep
One of the simplest things a woman can do to simultaneously boost her health and improve her sex drive is to get enough sleep. Sleep allows the body to recover, process stressors, and replenish the mind. Studies indicate that women who sleep better also enjoy better sexual response when intimate, leading to greater satisfaction and an increased likelihood of regular intercourse.
Reconnect With Your Body and Your Partner
Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes can feel like a roadblock in your intimate bond, but you have options to restore your sex drive. From personal choices to recruiting the help of a therapist, you have the power to decrease the impact of menopause and embrace the intimate connections in your life. Reach out to Village Counseling today to schedule an appointment!