There are many misconceptions and myths around sex drive and the quality of sex, especially as people get older. The truth is that a healthy and enjoyable sex life is possible at any age. Here’s what you need to know about the relationship between your hormones, sex drive, quality of sex, and how hormone replacement therapy can help.
At Memorial Women’s Specialists, our OB/GYN doctors and specialists offer a range of gynecology, obstetrics, and women’s health services in Houston, Texas.
Can hormone replacement therapy help my sex life?
If you’ve noticed changes in your sex drive or the quality and frequency of your sex life, many factors could be involved. While the body naturally undergoes changes with age, it’s possible and normal to have a healthy and active sex life as you get older, including after menopause.
Your sex drive and the quality of your sex life depend on several factors, including physical, emotional, and psychological.
The most common physical causes of low sex drive in women are hormonal changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Some medications, like anti-depressants, can also disrupt and lower sex drive, as well as medical conditions ranging from cancer to heart disease.
If you’ve noticed changes in your sex life or new symptoms, like vaginal dryness or pain during sex, give us a call to schedule an appointment.
How hormone replacement therapy helps
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels naturally decline with age, especially as you approach menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy helps to mitigate some of the most common symptoms of perimenopause (the years leading up to the end of the reproductive cycle) and menopause, which typically include a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms like:
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
When the ovaries are removed due to health conditions, like cancer, or you undergo a hysterectomy where the ovaries and uterus are removed, your body will enter menopause regardless of your age.
If your hormones are affecting your sex life, hormone replacement therapy may be a good option. There are different types of hormone replacement therapy depending on the severity of your symptoms and your specific health needs.
If you have concerns about your sex life or menopause, we can help. After a comprehensive exam and evaluation, our team at Memorial’s Women Specialists will recommend the best treatment plan for you. The most important thing is to not ignore your symptoms or accept changes in the quality of your sex life as “normal.”
For more information about hormone replacement therapy and whether it’s right for you, contact Memorial Women’s Specialists today to schedule an appointment with our OB/GYN team in Houston.