Sexual Wellness in Women

As women go through menopause, the levels of several hormones they produce decrease. These hormone insufficiencies and imbalances can lead to decreased interest in sex, lowered arousal, painful sex, and overall reduced quality of life. Indeed, about three-quarters of women who have problems in these areas can be found to have hormonal imbalances.

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play important roles in a woman’s level of desire and arousal. Estrogen deficiencies and imbalances can cause mood swings, depression, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse. Fluctuating progesterone levels in women have been linked to low sexual desire in women, while testosterone levels in women (normally about one-tenth those in men) are also closely linked to sexual desire, arousal, and ability to achieve an orgasm.

Not all menopause-related sexual problems can be blamed on just one hormone or group of hormones, however. While estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone imbalances are the main causes of decreased desire and arousal in women, other hormones such as DHEA, cortisol, and thyroid hormone also play a significant part in female sexual function. Stress and high levels of cortisol in women can lead to fatigue, depression, weight gain, and low libido. Thyroid hormone is also important in women; it affects metabolism, sleep cycles, energy levels, weight, and a patient’s overall sense of well-being.