The Pro-Age Woman April Issue - Flipbook - Page 46
Studies show that over three-quarters
of women feel their sex drive has
declined since they began the menopause transition. ThatÕs not too surprising bearing in mind over 80% of
women report suffering from vaginal
dryness. Spontaneity and enjoyment
understandably go out of the window
when penetration becomes painful.
Women become scared stiff, and
they feel isolated. They regard their
loss of libido as part of their fading
youth. And, because no one tells them
otherwise, they believe itÕs the end of
life as they knew it in the bedroom.
They havenÕt a clue that they can rekindle their libido, so avoid conversations about it with their partner
through fear. Many relationships break
down during this phase of life as a
result.
Sex can also be off putting if it
leads to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
When the vaginal tissues are fragile,
they can be damaged by pressure from
penetration. This can make the urethra
vulnerable to infection, especially if
you are short of vitamin D and magnesium, two common deficiencies.
Stress, worry in the here and now,
and depression often take their toll
on sex drive. When you are mentally
preoccupied with pressing problems,
the body naturally diverts its energy
to helping you through the troubled
times, and sexual desire may take a
back seat.
1
Eat regular meals that are nutrient
dense including all the food groups
and donÕt skip meals. Include a lovely
rainbow of fruit, vegetables, salad,
plenty of protein including oily fish
like salmon, or vegetarian protein including beans, lentils, soy and a variety
of grains.
2
If you suffer with vaginal dryness,
that needs to be addressed before turbo
charging libido, so that sex is comfortable. Foods rich in naturally occurring estrogen, including flaxseeds
and soy will help, and herbs like red
clover and the sea buckthorn plant
have been shown to help. Keep well
hydrated to alleviate dryness consuming
plenty of fluid and using natural lubricants.
3
Apart from exercising regularly in
the normal way, exercise your pelvic
floor as itÕs key to keeping all our
organs in place after menopause and
also to having great sex. Most of us
forget about our pelvic floor. We need
to exercise it regularly. The good thing
is that you can do the pelvic floor
exercises several times each day whilst
you are doing other things like washing up, driving or watching TV.
Our survey of men shows they feel
rejected and afraid to have conversations. Tell your partner there is a
light at the end of the tunnel. It will
make you both smile.
46 THE PRO-AGE WOMAN April Issue