Low sex drive after your period

Desire can vary across a cycle, and the timing alone does not identify one cause. Cramps, bloating, poor sleep, mood changes, vaginal dryness, or worry about pregnancy can make intimacy less appealing. New or worsening dryness and pain may occur with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, while changing cycles and other symptoms can occur during perimenopause or menopause. A symptom page on Low Sex Drive can help you describe the pattern.

Record when desire changes, your bleeding pattern, sleep, mood, pain, dryness, medicines, and contraception. Use a suitable lubricant if dryness causes friction, and allow intimacy without pressure. Review recent medication changes with a clinician rather than stopping treatment yourself. A clinician can assess hormonal, pelvic, thyroid, mood, relationship, and medication factors; Testosterone Therapy for Women may be discussed only when appropriate after assessment.

Arrange an appointment if reduced desire continues, causes distress, follows a medicine change, or comes with painful sex, persistent dryness, unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, marked tiredness, or mood symptoms. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever, or a possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding.

Could my cycle pattern, medicines, contraception, dryness, pain, sleep, or mood be contributing? What examination or tests fit my symptoms? Which treatments are suitable if sex is painful or desire remains low?