Why Do We Have Less Libido As We Age?

In women, higher levels of stress, and thus dysfunctional cortisol production, correlate with lower levels of genital arousal. Peri and post-menopausal women often have low libido and pain with sexual activity, as their genitalia receive less influence from estrogen and progesterone.

Across populations, we also know that properly balanced neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are crucial to the maintenance of a healthy libido and the ability to achieve orgasm.

We all know the Little Blue Pill has been helping men out since 1996, so where’s the women’s version? (It has been 24 years after all…) Well, it’s not so simple when it comes to female sexuality. Rather, a nuanced approach is needed that looks at both scientific and holistic options.

Understanding Female Libido

The following six key areas must ALL be considered when it comes to boosting a woman's libido:

1. Look at medications that influence desire.
2. Look at major illnesses (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, anemia, neurological disorders).
3. Lifestyle influences (i.e. alcohol and tobacco use).
4. Look at how you talk to yourself; do you love your new wrinkles and enjoy who you are, or do you put yourself down?
5. Evaluate stress levels.
6. Look at the degree of other intimacy in the relationship, often done by finding new, creative pursuits together

It’s a dance – working with the biochemistry AND also making sure the relationship has enough shared moments to drive release of the bonding hormone oxytocin and the neurotransmitters serotonin (relaxation) and dopamine (drive and desire for that dude you love next to you).

Now, back to biochem 101.

It is true that, to some extent, testosterone levels do have an impact on desire. The good news is that there are a number of diet and lifestyle modifications that can make a significant difference to testosterone levels.

Removing components that lower testosterone and boosting the raw material source for making testosterone are the key places to begin.

Our Top Ten Tips For Boosting Your Testosterone

🥥 Add coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, or cold water fish to your diet: Cholesterol is the starting point of all the steroid hormones, and these foods ensure there is an adequate supply of good cholesterol.*

🧘‍♀️ Meditate (or whatever helps YOU destress): your body preferentially directs cholesterol onto the cortisol pathway, and reducing stress reduces demand on that pathway.

💊 Take a Zinc Supplement: Zinc plays a role in slowing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Maca root is high in zinc, and is good for your thyroid. Remember, it is possible to have too much zinc, so ask your doctor for guidelines.

💊 Take a Magnesium Supplement: Research has shown that a combination of zinc and magnesium plays a part in testosterone synthesis primarily in the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone.

🏋️‍♀️ Resistance Train: resistance training (combined with magnesium) has been shown to increase testosterone.

🧬 Lose Extra Stores of Fat: Fat cells make the enzyme aromatase which converts testosterone to estradiol.

😴 Prioritize Sleep: testosterone levels have been shown to increase with more sleep.

🌞 Get Enough Vitamin D: It is a major hormone that helps with numerous processes in the body, so be sure to get enough.

💉 Consider DHEA: DHEA is a steroid hormone that eventually converts to testosterone and also supports health and vitality. Just be careful, too much DHEA can result in changes in hair patterns. If you are curious about taking DHEA, our ReBounce Cream with 5mg per pump could be the way to go.