When to worry about low sex drive with menopause

Hormone changes around menopause can occur alongside vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, hot flushes, fatigue, and changes in mood. Discomfort during sex may reduce interest. Desire can also be influenced by stress, relationship concerns, medicines, long-term illness, or depression.

A change in desire is personal: there is no required level of sexual activity. The useful question is whether the change is unwanted or affecting your quality of life, relationship, or sense of wellbeing.

Note when the change started and whether it follows pain, poor sleep, mood symptoms, a new medicine, or other menopause changes. Mention any vaginal dryness, urinary discomfort, bleeding, or pain during sex.

Make a routine appointment if low desire is persistent or upsetting. A clinician can review your health, medicines, symptoms, and treatment preferences. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice.

Arrange prompt care for bleeding after sex or after menopause, new pelvic pain, unusual discharge, sores, fever, or pain when passing urine. Seek urgent help for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or thoughts of self-harm.

Contact a clinician sooner if desire changes suddenly with marked depression, severe anxiety, confusion, or inability to function. A routine review is still worthwhile when the symptom is simply causing distress.

Could pain, dryness, sleep, mood, or a medicine be affecting my desire? What options may help with menopause symptoms? Should I have an examination or tests? When should I seek faster help?