High sex drive during perimenopause is less common, but it's still a possibility. Here’s why you might be feeling a more aroused during this transition.
Perimenopause is a transitional period often associated with horrible perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings . While low sex drive is commonly discussed as one of these challenges, a less explored symptom is high sex drive during perimenopause. High sex drive in perimenopause is a less common symptom, but still possible—here’s why you might experience it.
Can your sex drive increase during perimenopause? Contrary to most people experiencing perimenopause, some people may find themselves experiencing a surge in sexual desire during this transition. This unexpected uptick is influenced by a complex interplay of hormonal changes and cultural factors.
Perimenopause hormonal changes During perimenopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and gradually decrease. When these hormones decrease, many people usually feel a decrease in their libido; however, for others, the decrease in these hormones can sometimes lead to an increased sensitivity in other hormones, driving up their libido.
Specifically, the presence of testosterone during perimenopause may affect a person’s libido during this transition. While testosterone also decreases during perimenopause, the balance of testosterone to estrogen and progesterone gets thrown off during this period—so the amount of testosterone increases relative to these hormones. This rise in testosterone can lead to increased sexual thoughts, fantasies, and desire.
Cultural factors Some people may experience high sex drive in perimenopause because of the cultural factors at play during this transition. Perimenopause marks the transition toward the end of reproductive years, which can make some people feel liberated from worries about getting pregnant. This feeling of freedom may make you take a more relaxed and even adventurous approach to your sexuality.
(Remember—although your fertility decreases and eventually ends once you reach menopause, you still can get pregnant during perimenopause ! As long as you’re ovulating during perimenopause , there’s still a possibility of getting pregnant.)
Why does sex drive usually decrease during perimenopause? High sex drive in perimenopause is a valid experience, but it’s still far less common than a low sex drive during perimenopause . People experience a lower libido during perimenopause due to a few different factors:
Hormonal fluctuations: Just like a relative increase in testosterone can boost sex drive, changes in hormones can decrease sex drive. When estrogen declines, it can cause psychological and physiological factors that negatively affect libido, like decrease in arousal and increase in vaginal dryness.Perimenopause symptoms: Other symptoms of perimenopause, like fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances can lead to a decreased interest in sexual activity.Sociocultural factors: Feelings about aging and the end of reproductive years can sometimes feel freeing and lead to increased sex drive, but can also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression that decrease libido.Managing high sex drive in perimenopause Embracing and managing heightened sex drive during perimenopause can be a positive and empowering experience. Here are some strategies to navigate this unique aspect of the transitional phase.
Communicate Communicating with your partner is crucial at any point in your relationship, but especially when your sex drive changes. Discussing your desires, feelings, and boundaries can strengthen your intimacy and emotional connection, fostering a supportive sexual relationship.
Communication can be especially important if your partner is experiencing sexual challenges as you both get older. Be sure to be patient, honest, and understanding when communicating with them.
Explore and experiment Going along with your high sex drive can be empowering, and you can do so by using this transition as an opportunity for sexual exploration and experimentation. Trying new things, communicating fantasies and desires, and prioritizing pleasure, are different ways to act on your sex drive and lead to a more fulfilling sex life.
Take care of yourself While you might be experiencing what many think of as a positive symptom of perimenopause, you may experience other less exciting symptoms. Be sure to prioritize your well-being during this period, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, a regular sleep schedule, and stress management. These practices can not only help you manage any other perimenopause symptoms you might have, but positively impact your desire, too.
Counseling or therapy If your high sex drive in perimenopause becomes overwhelming or challenging to manage, a sexual health therapist or counselor can help. These professionals can provide support and help you navigate your feelings and desires; professionals who specialize in couples therapy can also provide help if this symptom is negatively impacting your relationship.
High sex drive in perimenopause: the bottom line While many people go through perimenopause, the transition is a unique and individual experience, where symptoms can vary widely. While a high sex drive in perimenopause might be less common, it’s important to recognize and embrace the diversity of these experiences.
Whether your sex drive increases or decreases during perimenopause, the key is to approach these changes with self-compassion and open communication. By understanding the hormonal dynamics at play and considering cultural factors, you can navigate perimenopause and use the right strategies for you— leading to a fulfilling sex life and positive overall well-being.
