From Hot Flashes to Hot Nights: Increasing Libido In Menopause

Overview

1) Some women and couples make an intentional decision that they do not care about sex after a certain age…. If you are watching this, this is probably not you.

2) This is for the kind of women I work with: Those that Feel Guilty about low sex drive, have grief about lack of desire, and feel like their lack of sex drive is ruining the relationship

Today…

1) Why Continue to Enhance Libido At Menopause? Healthy Libido is a Sign of Health

Why Continue to Enhance Libido At Menopause

´ Continual intimacy helps tissue from declining as quickly. Helps with anti aging

´ Oxytocin helps manage stress

´ Elasticity (which sex helps) improves with intimacyhelps to prevent prolapse and leakage

´ Supports Long Term Relationship Health (grandpa)

Normal and Not So Normal Hormonal Shifts

´ Body Favors E1 instead of E2

´ DHEA controversy

´ Adrenals continue to make hormones

´ 2 OH balance shift to 4 OH or 16 OH

Problems With Hormone Testing/Prescription

´E1 is the largest form of estrogen at menopause, yet not always tested

´ Levels of Hormones often inaccurate

´E3 is commonly not tested for yet this is the most important when it comes to dryness

Problems With Hormone Testing/Prescription

´Three forms of breakdown of E:

´ 2OH, 4 OH, 16OH

´ We do not want tons of 16OH, but it helps build bones

´ We do not want much 4OH, but it can damage neurons if we have too little

It is NOT Your Fault (and there are solutions)

Lower estrogen causes lower clitoral response

Lower estrogen causes lower vaginal blood flow

Less elasticity can lead to pain

Vicious cycle: Lack of intimacy can lower connection leading to more lack of intimacy

Testosterone lowering decreases drive

Depression / Anxiety can occur with menopause

Problems With Hormone Testing/Prescription

´Androgens including DHEA are not always tested and monitored

´Hormone replacement is sometimes the most amazing answer, but it is not the full picture

Causes of Unhealthy Menopausal Transition

1) Poor Diet

2) Stress and Adrenals

3) Toxins

4) Hidden Infections

5) Overwork and Overwhelm

6) Nervous System Imbalances

7) Gut Problems

Emotions, Psychology, Menopause and Libido

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Novelty

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Values/Time

Myths about Libido and Menopause

´ Sex no longer matters (not important)

´ Sex drive is supposed to go down

´ The body is supposed to fall apart

´ You are supposed to be tired

Body Image, Self Esteem, Menopause and Libido

´Orgasm Improves Body Image

´Helps Maintain Youth

Relationship Dynamics, Communication & Desire

´ How to Communicate

´ When to Communicate

´ What to Communicate

Medications

1) Concern about blood pressure 2) Injected

3) Skin changes

4) Nausea 5) Plus more

5 Step Plan for Improving Libido At Menopause

Diet

•Diet: Phytoestrogens –Use Maca and Fasting Rotation

Exercise

•Exercise: HIIT Training, Kegels/Vaginal Exercises and Weights

Get

•Get Toxins and Xenoestrogens Out (IE: Plastics)

Use

•Use HRT, DHEA, and or Adrenal support

Improve

•Improve Stress Resiliency: Breathwork

Fasting for Weight Maintenance and Health

´ Day 1 – 4: High Fat/Low Carb 13 hour Fast

´ Day 5: High Fat/low and 15 hour fast

´ Day 6-10: High fat/low carb and 17 hour fast

´ Day 11-15: High carb/low fat and 13 hour fast

´ Day 16- 19 High fat/low carb and 15 hour fast

´ Day 20-30 No fasting and high carb/low fat

´High protein throughout

Aging and Libido: What You Need to Know

´ 1) Not all Hormones are the same: Not all hormones are the same. E3 and DHEA are very safe

´2) Differences in Lube

´3) Libido can stay high if one is interested in making it a priority

´4) Fasting has been shown to improve sex drive and blood flow

´5) Lots of imbalances at menopause are caused by toxins, toxic stress and adrenal related issues

Sexual Wellness and Self Care at Menopause

Getting clear on what you need to have the most energy

Setting boundaries and making choices to get your needs met

Female Archetype: The Helper (needs met last)- Need to Transform