Do you miss your libido?

I never truly lost libido but had to treat vaginal dryness with estradiol cream. I tried adding testosterone and found it not worth the out of pocket cost, nor did I feel any benefit.. I use 1mg estradiol patch 2x weekly and 100 micronized progesterone nightly. I do have a back up 1mg estradiol pill that I sometimes use when my skin becomes irritated by the patch. They say you can alternate where you apply the patch to avoid skin irritation, but I have found only one spot that I prefer. I am soon to be 65, started bhrt at age 56.

I sometimes miss so many things these days, my self image is very low, my mental health is shaky from being a cancer survivor, I live with a male friend for over 30 years and we once upon a time had occasional sex however, he changed towards me and didn’t want any more intimacy even occasionally. I have vaginal atrophy and tried for a while to look after myself but it wasn’t the sex I was missing but rather the intimacy. I tried talking to him about it but to no avail, I’m 75 years old and grateful to be here and also to have companionship, living alone is not something that I want to do anymore because I feel vulnerable. I suppose I should count my blessings and enjoy my life and family and friends.

@jeaniem

I really benefit from hearing women's individual experiences.
Mine is quite different.
I began menopause suddenly at 38. Continued my sexual relationships over the next 39 years but something was missing. I didn't realize what was missing was my libido.
At 77 I decided to begin bhrt including testosterone.
What an eye opener. Bam! My libido was back within days and wildly strong. I am enjoying sex now much more than in my 20s and 30s pre menopause.

I still have a really strong libido. Not sure why. I still want to begin HRT to maintain.

I think that you’re very fortunate to have a natural libido, sometimes we have no choice but to turn to medication. I’m curious, have you asked yourself why you would want to use medication when you clearly don’t need to?

@frouke , great question. I am very grateful I have maintained libido, good bladder and vaginal integrity, bone health, etc. But, I have watched videos of US female urologists talk and how HRT is vital for that maintenance. I’ve also spoken with Ortho PA, DO practitioner, and others who support HRT for various reasons. I want to protect what I have.

I have a friend in her 50s, who is dealing with vaginal prolapse and she’s never had vaginal birth. She just started HRT. My mom had 2 surgeries for hers, but she had 3 vaginal births.

Most of my female peers have zero interest in sex. I find this extremely disconcerting. Maybe, I should get my hormones checked, but daily sex is my preference. So idk. Seems like a great gift to be abandoned.

There are so many post menopausal women who have substantial and debilitating conditions, I feel HRT makes sense, especially when medical professionals are advocating it.

@celia16

Thanks Celia. I loved reading your description of your libido!!! Bravissimo!!

@gravity3 , I do wonder about it myself. I’m going to request my endo for blood work on hormones next time I’m in. I’m curious.