Why does menopause cause low sex drive?

Low Sex Drive is a common presentation of Menopause. Lower oestrogen can reduce vaginal moisture and make sexual activity uncomfortable, while changing androgen levels may influence desire. Hot flushes and night sweats can disturb sleep, leaving less energy for intimacy. Mood changes, stress, relationship concerns, and worries about pain can also reduce interest. These influences can occur together, and low desire may have causes unrelated to menopause as well.

If dryness or burning is present, a water-based lubricant during sex and a vaginal moisturiser used regularly may help; a clinician can discuss other local treatments. Allow more time for arousal, communicate about comfort, and choose intimacy that does not cause pain. Review sleep, mood, medicines, and contraception with a healthcare professional. Counselling or sex therapy can help when distress, communication, or relationship factors are involved.

Arrange an appointment if low desire is distressing, persists despite addressing discomfort, follows a medicine change, or occurs with pain, bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, or marked mood symptoms. Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm. A clinician can check vaginal and general health rather than assuming one cause.

Ask whether dryness or another condition may be contributing, which treatments are safe for you, whether a medicine affects desire, and where to find confidential sexual-health support.