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

Increased libido in elderly gals rare



 (The Spokesman-Review)
Peter Gott United Media

Dear Dr. Gott: My wife and I, each 74, have been sexually inactive for more than six years. Much to my surprise, three weeks ago she began experiencing continuous sexual urges that put her in a state of constant arousal.

She had a complete gynecological exam that was normal. The doctor took a blood test, but we have yet to learn the results.

The gynecologist had only one other instance of the problem in his 30 years of practice and tended to downplay my concern, telling me that I’m “too cute” and should solve the difficulty by using Viagra, which hasn’t helped. My wife can reach a climax by heavy petting, but I have erectile dysfunction. Her sexual activity brings her only temporary relief. A few minutes, at most. Is there some kind of medicine she could take to return her to normal? Should I insist that she be evaluated in a medical center such as the Mayo Clinic?

Dear Reader: Elderly women rarely experience an increase in libido (sexual interest). When such a dramatic change occurs, medical evaluation is appropriate because the sex drive may be accentuated by a hormonal imbalance – particularly an increase in the level of testosterone, the male hormone that, in both men and women, increases libido. Therefore, I hope that the blood tests your wife had included hormone levels of estrogen, progestin and testosterone. This information is vital to her diagnosis.

I, too, have seen only one case of libido-accentuation. This occurred in a post-menopausal woman who was found to have a tumor that secreted testosterone. Once the tumor had been removed, she returned to normal.

Consequently, blood tests are necessary to separate out an abnormal physical problem from a purely psychological one. Which brings me to my second point.

An increase in libido can also result from nerve disorders, such as dementia, brain tumors or various emotional problems that neutralize the normal physiological reactions keeping sex urges under control. Therefore, if your wife’s blood tests are normal, she should have an MRI scan of her brain and a consultation with a neurologist. Psychological testing may have to be considered.

In the meantime, I suggest that you participate in her sexuality (as fully as you are comfortable doing). Although your attitude and behavior are probably not germane to your wife’s diagnosis, your support and acceptance may provide much reassurance that will assist her during this difficult phase in her life.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Where to Find Sex Information.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.