low libido

I'm 49 and have been in menopaus for a few years.  I take no drugs except Actonel.  I am very active and eat healthy and use to have a nice sex life with my husband.  I want that back!  I've been to more hormon doctors who just want to put me on HRT.  Didn't work.  I've been to Pyschologist no problem w/marriage.  I need to get some help....Please.  Lori

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Changes in libido or sex drive are common after menopause. It can be due to many things. The most common is lower estrogen. Estrogen helps many women increase their sex drive. It might take a few months to see a difference. If testosterone levels are low, it can also be due to that and adding testosterone can be very helpful. For some women, the problem has to do with vaginal dryness. In that case trying an over the counter product called Replens taken daily for a week and twice a week after that can help greatly. Other factors include some depression or anxiety. Without a more complete history and an exam, it is difficult to be more specific. Ask your doctor for a referral to a sex therapist, someone who specializes in this area. That may be helpful to you if the things mentioned above don't work for you.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD

[moyashi]

hi! if it s the vaginal dryness the reason why you don't enjoy sex as much as you used to, you can try replens vaginal moisturizer. it will really help with the dryness.

[mogus]

My doctor has put me on estrogel to help relieve vaginal dryness and sleeplessness, and to perk up my sex drive.. will this really help? Its a skin gel.