Menopause & Sex: What Every Woman Must Know
As we enter mid-life, changes abound . But for women, it's not
only hot flashes and mood swings that can dominate. Indeed many
gals discover that the most disconcerting change of all can be
the change in they experience in their sex drive.
In short - it can all but disappear.
For some, replenishing those dwindling hormones -with Mother
Nature or Father Pharmaceutical - can be a big help.
But what if hormones aren't on your agenda? Not to worry - there
are still things you can do!
Indeed, oftentimes small changes in areas of your life you might
not even connect with sex - like nutrition, exercise, or even
sleep - can make a huge difference in your ability to not only
enjoy sex, but actually look forward to intimate encounters.
Here are five things from my book " Your Perfectly Pampered
Menopause" that you can try right now to get your libido off
and running!
# 1: Take a Nap
Although this probably doesn't sound either sexy or romantic,
experts say that fatigue is the number one killer of great
romance, not to mention terrific sex. Because night sweats and
hot flashes may be keeping you awake at night, don't be ashamed
to steal away for a cozy nap any time you get the chance. If you
arrange for a rendezvous' with your partner upon waking, you may
be surprised to discover how attuned you have become to what may
have been "hidden" sexual desires.
# 2 : Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
In addition to whatever " aphrodisiac" foods you may have heard
of, at mid-life doctors say one of the best sex boosters is a
healthy diet. Studies show that when the basic requirements for
good nutrition are met, hormones function better. And that means
you are less likely to feel the "bumps" in your perimenopause
road as easily or as often. Also try eating six small meals a
day rather than three large ones. This can help keep blood sugar
stable which not only increases your energy level, but also can
improve your mood and your desires.
# 3 : Quit smoking
You know it's bad for your heart and lungs - but did you know
smoking can also put a damper on your sex life? In studies
conducted on perimenopausal and menopausal women, doctors found
that smoking as little as one pack a day had a greater ability
to decrease sexual function than the hormonal changes of
menopause! Smoking is also linked to a decrease in estrogen,
which can impact sexual response and vaginal sensitivity. The
good news: Just months after you stub that last butt, you'll see
an appreciable change in your health - including a upswing in
your desire for sex!
# 4: Take Time To Relax
Whether it's curling up with a great book, planting petunias in
your garden, or taking a pottery class, take time to relax and
watch the benefits flow in the bedroom! Indeed, studies show
that stress can be the number one thief of sexual satisfaction,
and, some experts say it can put a real damper on desire. The
link involves an entire cascade of hormonal activity that is set
in motion by your response to stress. Once it starts, it can
impact a variety of physiological functions, not the least of
which is mood - and desire. And, even if you have the desire to
make love, being under stress can inhibit both your ability to
become aroused and to reach orgasm. So, take a few deep breaths
and learn to relax - and you might be surprised at how much
better you feel about making love.
# 5: Buy New Shoes . . .
...or get a new hairdo, change your color, go for a make-over,
get a facial, even lose a few pounds. Anything you can do to
feel better about yourself IS going to make you feel better
about relating to your partner, not just in the bedroom, but in
ALL the rooms of your life! Certainly there are important
physiological reasons why sex may not be on the top of your list
during this time of your life. Sometimes, however, how we feel
about ourselves, and even how we view the idea of aging itself,
can greatly influence how we feel about having sex and even
influence what we think about our own sexuality. Doing whatever
you can to enhance your self image - in your own eyes- often
translates into feeling better about your partner, your
relationship, and ultimately your sexuality and your sensuality.
To learn more visit http://www.YourMenopause.com