This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Why Do We Have Less Libido As We Age?

In women, higher stress levels are often associated with lower desire and less enjoyment of intimacy. Many women in peri- and post-menopause notice shifts in desire and may find intimacy less comfortable — a very common experience that can be addressed in many ways.

We also know that well-balanced neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are involved in maintaining a healthy sense of desire and connection.

We all know the Little Blue Pill has been helping men out since 1996, so where's the women's version? (It has been 24 years after all…) Well, it's not so simple when it comes to female sexuality. Rather, a nuanced approach is needed that looks at both scientific and holistic options.

Understanding Female Libido

The following six key areas are all worth considering when it comes to supporting a woman's libido:

1. Look at medications that may influence desire.
2. Consider overall health factors — a conversation with your healthcare provider can help identify what's right for you.
3. Lifestyle influences (such as alcohol and tobacco use).
4. Look at how you talk to yourself — do you love your new wrinkles and enjoy who you are, or do you put yourself down?
5. Evaluate stress levels.
6. Look at the degree of other intimacy in the relationship, often nourished by finding new, creative pursuits together.

It's a dance — working with the biochemistry AND making sure the relationship has enough shared moments to support the bonding hormone oxytocin and the neurotransmitters serotonin (relaxation) and dopamine (that spark of desire for the dude you love next to you).

Now, back to biochem 101.

It is true that, to some extent, testosterone levels are involved in desire. The good news is that there are a number of diet and lifestyle choices that can make a meaningful difference to your overall hormonal vitality.

Reducing factors that work against testosterone and supporting the raw materials the body uses to make it are good places to begin.

Our Top Ten Tips For Supporting Your Hormonal Vitality

🥥 Add coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, or cold water fish to your diet: Cholesterol is the starting point of all the steroid hormones, and these foods support an adequate supply of healthy fats your body needs.*

🧘‍♀️ Meditate (or whatever helps YOU de-stress): your body preferentially directs resources toward the stress response, so reducing stress frees up more capacity for the rest of your hormonal ecosystem.

💊 Zinc: Zinc is a nutrient involved in many hormonal processes. Maca root is naturally high in zinc and is also associated with general thyroid support. Keep in mind that more is not always better with zinc — your healthcare provider can help you find the right amount for your needs.

💊 Magnesium: Zinc and magnesium are nutrients many women include in their routines for overall vitality and hormonal support.

🏋️‍♀️ Resistance Train: Many women find that resistance training supports their energy, mood, and overall vitality — and it's one of the most well-researched lifestyle habits for women at this stage of life.

🧬 Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight is associated with overall hormonal balance and vitality.

😴 Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is when your body does a lot of its hormonal housekeeping. Many women notice that their energy, mood, and desire all feel better when sleep is dialed in.

🌞 Get Enough Vitamin D: Vitamin D is involved in numerous processes throughout the body — and many women are running low without knowing it. Getting enough is a foundational piece of general wellness.

💉 Consider DHEA: DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is involved in the body's production of other hormones, including testosterone. Some women include DHEA in their wellness routines for general vitality. As with any supplement, a little goes a long way — too much can lead to changes in hair patterns — so check in with your healthcare provider before starting.