Loss of libido can be one of the most difficult symptoms of menopause to manage.

Decreased sex drive can be deeply unsettling. The loss of sexual desire is less common in men than it is in women. It occurs in about 15 percent of men compared to about 30 percent of women. But for those men who do have low libido it often bothers them more than it does women.

Libido loss vs ED

Loss of libido and Erectile Dysfunction, ED, are not the same thing, but they are often linked. Men with ED generally have normal sex drive but impaired ability to get or maintain an erection due to psychological, circulatory or nerve problems. Men with loss of libido have no erectile difficulty once aroused but their interest is diminished.

Myth of the male

The myth about men’s sexuality – that they are ready to have sex at any time in any circumstances – just isn’t true for most men. But it is almost always the case that the root cause of loss of sexual desire can be identified and overcome. Sometimes the best solution is to seek professional help.

Tips for Action.

There is no single remedy for low libido, but no one has to live with it. The first step toward a solution is to identify the cause of the problem for a given individual. Causes fall into biological, emotional and relationship-based.

Recommended approaches

See your doctor: A wide range of medical conditions and medications can adversely affect libido. Any serious illness is likely to reduce interest in sex and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension can reduce blood flow throughout the body, impeding arousal.

Reduce stress: Everyday worries about a job, finances, children and relationships can cause anxiety and diminished self-esteem, which can wreak havoc with the libido.

Rekindle the relationship: Problems in the bedroom may or may not be indicative of larger problems in the relationship.

Lifestyle

Fortunately, loss of libido can easily be treated through a variety of simple lifestyle changes such as a few modifications in diet and exercise patterns will not only help to treat loss of libido, but corresponding stress and anxiety as well.

Diet

Foods including delicacies such as oysters, red meat, liver, kidney, beans (zinc), leafy greens, almonds, buckwheat (magnesium), lean meats, fish, nuts, dairy (protein), tofu, soy milk (soy products) are beneficial.

Exercise

Yoga provides increased flexibility and relaxation; Kegel exercises strengthens vaginal muscles; Aerobics provide heart health, circulation; stretching, relaxation, stress relief and improved muscle tone.

Supplements

However, because the root of the problem for women going through menopause is a drop in hormone levels, the best way to treat this problem is to go directly to the hormonal source. Natural supplements are an excellent and safe way to achieve this.

Extreme cases

In more extreme cases, there are medical solutions such as surgery or pharmaceutical options  available, though due to risk of side effects or other complications this should be considered as the last resort.

Specific treatments begin with lifestyle changes, alternative medicines before drugs and surgery. The most effective treatments for mood swings typically combine lifestyle changes and alternative medicines.