Is low libido a normal part of menopause?
Yes. Low libido is a very common part of perimenopause and menopause, although it doesn’t happen to everyone. Here at Alloy, our guidance notes that about 80% of women report some decline in sexual desire during menopause, and some also notice less sensation or that orgasm is harder to reach.
Usually it’s a mix of hormone changes and other symptoms piling on at the same time. Estrogen and testosterone drop, which can make arousal harder. Vaginal dryness, thinning tissue, and painful sex can lower desire too, and so can hot flashes, poor sleep, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. So yes, it can be a normal menopause symptom, but it isn’t something you just have to live with.
Often the first thing to treat is discomfort. Lubricants can help, and local estrogen like estradiol vaginal cream can improve lubrication and tissue health. If other menopause symptoms are part of the picture, systemic options like the estradiol pill may help some women too. For a fuller overview, take a look at our low libido guide and this article on low libido, menopause, and stress. This short chapter on libido myths and influences is also a good watch.
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