Looking At Some of the Factors in Low Female Libido

As a hypnotherapist and non-medical psychosexual specialist I am seeing more women presenting with low sexual desire and it is apparent that this is a difficult problem for many women. It is said that up to 25% of women may be suffering from some form lost or diminished libido.  Women often feel unable to speak about it; many say they have never spoken to anyone about the situation before.

There is little doubt that the women who present to me are worried and confused about a situation where they are often suffering emotional stress because they no longer feel the same desire to have sex. The effect their own self confidence and on their relationships can be catastrophic and this can be a major source of tension and anger in relationships.

Today we all live in a fast world and stress and anxiety can be a huge factor in loss of libido, many younger women I see are juggling careers, children, husbands, work driven targets, and tight budgets. By the time many women get to me they are often exhausted and feeling powerless. Many say the last thing on their mind as they drop into bed each night is sex. Yet once the problem is out in the open much can be done to help and many women find their lives and that of their partner improving enormously once they seek help.

The menopause which in Europe typically starts at around 52 and the perimenopause which is a prelude to the menopause itself may also be a factor in around 15% of female loss of libido in the age group 45-65. There is no test to determine when the perimenopause begins but for many women it can begin in the 40s and may last for between 2 and 10 years, hormone levels fluctuate wildly during this pre-menopause phase.

Changes to the menstrual cycles, altered hormone levels and symptoms such as loss of lubrication which may lead to intercourse becoming uncomfortable or even painful, weight gain, hot flushes leading to disturbed sleep and many other symptoms can all occur in post-menopausal women. At this time many women are still be working full or part time, may still have teenagers at home while possibly also dealing with the added responsibility of aging parents.

It is essential that women understand what is going on, they are often ridden with feelings like low self - confidence, guilt, stress as well as the physical symptoms described above. If some symptoms occur during the perimenopause phase it can be very worrying, particularly if the woman does not suspect that the feelings and symptoms she has may be associated with the oncoming menopause. I have had many women come to me in their 40s worried because they did not have the faintest idea that the perimenopause could even be a factor in the €˜odd€™ way they are feeling.

But because there may be underlying health issues, it is always essential to get a proper medical evaluation before embarking on any therapy.  Things like thyroid function, urinary incontinence as well as the menopausal symptoms as discussed above, could all be factors in a diminishing libido.  Some medications may also affect libido according to Dr Nicola Mullin, consultant in sexual and reproductive health in Chester.

There is nothing better than empowering yourself with information and a good place to start if you are menopausal or perimenopause is 'The Menopause Exchange'. The organisation was launched in 1999 by Norma Goldman, with the aim of raising awareness among health professionals and complementary practitioners about the menopause; it is a good place to start finding information.

From my perspective I see amazing changes in the lives of many women who come to see me.  The wonderful relaxation element of what I do during the hypnotic part of the sessions, the chance to off load and share worries or anxieties and the realisation that there are different strategies to help cope for women of any age all help my clients greatly.

For appointments about any non-medical psychosexual problem (or indeed any other problems) whether you are male or female, get in touch by telephone or email to make an appointment.

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www.hypnosiskent.co.uk

Phone 01634 420202

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