What's really happening
Low libido is one of the most common (and least talked about) symptoms of menopause. It’s not just about “not feeling in the mood”—it’s a full-body, hormone-driven shift that can affect confidence, relationships, and pleasure.
But why?
Lower estrogen and testosterone levels can affect libido, mood, and vaginal tissue—leading to less desire and less pleasure.
Scientific Breakdown
Estrogen affects blood flow, arousal, and vaginal lubrication. Testosterone (yes, women need it too) fuels sexual desire and fantasy. When these hormones decline, physical arousal becomes harder to achieve, and emotional desire often fades alongside it. Plus, other menopause symptoms—fatigue, mood changes, poor sleep—can chip away at intimacy.
• ↓ Estrogen → vaginal dryness, lower blood flow
• ↓ Testosterone → reduced sexual desire
• ↓ Progesterone → mood instability and poor sleep
Essentially…
Desire isn’t just in your head—it’s rooted in hormones, energy, confidence, and comfort. All of those shift in midlife. And all are treatable.
See a doctor if …
• Loss of desire is affecting your self-esteem or relationship
• You’re avoiding intimacy due to pain or dryness
• You’re not sure what’s causing it
• Depression
• Medications (SSRIs, antihistamines, etc.)
• Relationship stress or trauma history
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
Low Libido / Sexual Desire
Q: Can low libido be fixed?
Yes—there are safe and effective ways to improve desire and pleasure.
Q: Is this about hormones or my relationship?
Could be both. Hormones often shift the baseline.
Q: Is testosterone safe for women?
In low doses and under expert care, yes.
“I thought I had to fake it forever. But once I used vaginal estrogen and started reconnecting with my body, my desire came back—and I actually wanted to initiate again.”
— FLUXX community member, age 50
FLUXX Recommendations
1. Consider vaginal estrogen or systemic HT for hormonal support
2. Use a daily vaginal moisturizer + lubricant during intimacy
3. Rebuild desire through gentle intimacy—solo or with a partner
Non-Hormonal Medications
• Addyi (flibanserin) or Vyleesi (bremelanotide) may help with HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder)
• Maca root, ashwagandha (may support desire)
• Sensate focus and guided intimacy exercises
• Mindful self-touch and body connection practices
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Reduce stress, improve sleep, and move your body for endorphin support
• Carve out time for connection—not just sex
• Journaling or therapy to reconnect with desire
Myth-Busting
Low libido isn’t about love or laziness. It’s hormonal. And there are options.
Modern Guidance
HT, vaginal estrogen, or testosterone (in some cases) may help. Sensate focus, therapy, and addressing pain or body image shifts also matter. You’re not broken—desire can be revived.
Ask yourself
• “Is pain or dryness part of this for you?”
• “Do you feel emotionally connected but physically distant?”
• “Are you open to hormone therapy—or looking for alternatives?”
Ask your doctor
• “Could hormones be affecting my sex drive?”
• “What are my vaginal estrogen or testosterone options?”
• “Should I see a sexual health specialist?”
Vaginal estrogen is extremely low risk and effective. Testosterone therapy should be guided by a menopause-trained provider.
