If you're a woman over 40, you might be wondering if you'll ever get your libido back.
Some of the women in our community we talk to say this is the LAST thing on their to-do list! They are often too exhausted, or just can't get themselves in the mood. Or, it's too painful because of the vaginal dryness.
Of course, sex isn't mandatory when you get older, and many women are happy that they don't have to worry about it anymore. But if you still want to have a good sex life, you may need to check whether your hormones are to blame.
Hormones that affect your libido
Cortisol
Stress and sex? They really don't go together! Cortisol weakens your sex hormones, causing you to prefer the candy bar to your partner.
Cortisol and the sex hormones are all made from the same precursor hormone, pregnenolone. So guess what happens when you're stressed? Pregnenolone gets the message to make more cortisol instead of sex hormones (as we know our stress response takes precedence over our reproductive function when we need to survive).
Cortisol also increases another hormone, prolactin, which can prevent you from ovulating. Thus, your sex hormones are relegated to the background, your testosterone and your libido disappear, and the second-hand clothes take precedence over the dashing!
Thyroid
Thyroid hormones regulate the production of your sex hormones. If you don't have enough thyroid, your libido can drop and your fertility can be affected. The thyroid also helps convert cholesterol into progesterone, essential for a healthy libido.
Estrogens
To feel attractive, you need a good level of estrogen (which often explains why you are in a good mood at the time of ovulation). If estrogen levels are low and you feel tired and irritable, this will be the last thing on your mind.
Low estrogen can also be responsible for vaginal dryness and night sweats, which won't help you feel attractive and desirable! And if you manage to maintain your libido, orgasms can be harder to reach and less intense.
However, there should not be too many estrogens. Higher levels are common as you approach perimenopause, contributing to PMS, bloating, weight gain, and low libido.
Progesterone
To balance estrogen, you need healthy levels of progesterone. It's your anti-stress hormone, and it helps maintain your libido. But in the years leading up to menopause, ovulation becomes irregular and progesterone declines rapidly. And any stress in your life can make it worse, as cortisol production takes over progesterone.
Testosterone
Traditionally considered the male hormone, testosterone is also essential for women. It contributes to sexual desire, but it is also vital for the health of the brain, bones and heart. It can decline rapidly during perimenopause and beyond, so it's important to know how to maintain healthy levels naturally.
Other factors
Of course, these are just a few of the physical factors that cause low libido. Your diet, nutrient absorption, and lifestyle can also have a big impact. And of course there are emotional factors to consider, as well as the obvious physical attraction to your partner.
But balancing your hormones, especially after 40, can be a game-changer.
Our advice to improve your libido
Here are some natural ways to balance your hormones and boost your libido.
Relax
Reducing your stress levels can balance your cortisol and boost your energy, mood, and sex hormone production. Try mindful meditation daily (just 10 minutes can make a difference).
Keep your blood sugar in balance
If you eat a lot of carbs and sugar, you are likely to experience a spike in blood sugar, which will cause you to lose your energy and mood. So be sure to eat protein and fat at every meal, as well as low-glycemic carbohydrates that won't cause blood sugar spikes.
Fat is your friend
Your sex hormones are made from cholesterol, so it's important to get plenty of healthy fats in your diet. Try avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, olive oil, and fatty fish. A good quality fish oil supplement can help.
Eat cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, chard, kale, arugula - they all contain an important compound that helps regulate estrogen levels.
Epsom salt baths
The magnesium in Epsom salt will help relax your muscles and de-stress. A perfect pre-bedtime routine to get you in the mood.
Take some maca
Known as "nature's viagra" in Peru, maca is an ancient superfood with libido-boosting properties!
Watch your medications
The birth control pill is designed to suppress ovulation, and therefore the production of sex hormones, and low libido is a common side effect. Other medications often have similar side effects. Ask your doctor to re-evaluate them and discuss alternatives you could try.
Try HIIT
High intensity interval training has been shown to increase testosterone. It is also great for burning fat!
do yoga
For strength, flexibility, mood and stress reduction - it's all good for your sex life!
Detox your environment
Chemicals in non-organic foods, plastics, cleaning and personal care products can mimic estrogen and upset your delicate hormonal balance. Adopt organic products and opt for more natural brands of household products.
Food supplements
These supplements are particularly beneficial for regaining your libodo.
- Harmonie Daily by Laboratoires üma (do not take if you are on hormone replacement therapy)
- NUTRALIE MACA Strong Dosage 24000 mg
- Pharma Nord Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil
Consult your doctor if you are undergoing treatment or if you are hesitant to take food supplements. Note that we do not recommend hormone replacement therapy due to the likely long term risks to your health.
Get tested
If you are not happy with the situation, you do not have to accept it permanently!
As we have explained, low libido can be multifactorial. The tests can identify hormones that might be out of balance, and uncover other health issues (eg stress, inflammation, gut issues, nutrient deficiencies) that might be contributing to your symptoms.
Once you know what you're dealing with, you'll be able to put a personalized plan in place to get faster results.
With love, Laboratoire üma team.
