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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

See doctor about drop in sex drive

Anthony L. Komaroff Universal Uclick

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m a woman in my 50s. I’ve always had a healthy sex drive, but lately it’s gone bye-bye. What could be wrong?

DEAR READER:

There are many reasons for a decline in a person’s sex drive, some physical and some psychological. A decline in the production of estrogen with menopause is one reason, and most U.S. women enter menopause in their early 50s. The “male” hormones, androgens, are also made by women, in lower amounts. They are important in generating sexual desire.

While sexual desire declines somewhat in women after menopause, a sudden drop for no good reason merits a trip to your doctor. He or she will look for physical causes to explain your diminished sex drive. Many chronic medical conditions can impinge on desire. So, too, can treatments for these conditions. Low libido may also stem from chronic pain that causes discomfort during intercourse.

If there are no obvious physical causes to address, your doctor will explore your attitudes and feelings about sex. For example, has your relationship with your partner changed recently? Your doctor will also ask about depression, self-image, stress and fatigue.

If there may be a psychological or relationship issue, one option is sex therapy. The therapist may suggest that both you and your significant other participate. You will be encouraged to explore any negative feelings that may surround sex. Relationship-building exercises may be recommended to increase trust, communication and sensual awareness. You may also be taught stress-reduction techniques.

Medical treatments are also available. One option is hormone treatment with testosterone. As testosterone levels decline with age, a woman’s sexual interest and responsiveness may also drop off.

Another medical option is bupropion. This antidepressant may increase sexual desire and arousal even if you don’t have depression. It can also counter the negative sexual side effects of other antidepressant medications.