Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes

Two of the most common symptoms of perimenopause are hot flashes and a low sex drive. It's led some women of a certain age to believe that their sex life is over. But is there a way for perimenopausal women to improve their sex lives and control those hot flashes? Read on for some of the most current tips and trends in the field of perimenopause.

Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes: See Your Doctor

It can't be stressed enough; any changes in your body should absolutely be monitored by your doctor. A low sex drive can be caused by other conditions, not just perimenopause. Before starting any treatment, you must check with your doctor to rule out any serious condition.

Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes: Diet and Exercise

The simplest, most natural things are always the best way to start. Face it - your body IS changing, you'll most likely have to make some changes with it. Exercising 30 minutes a day can cause a definite reduction in the symptoms of perimenopause, and is just good for your health in general.

Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes: Stop Smoking

If you're a smoker, there's no time like the present to stop. First, stopping smoking can help to alleviate some symptoms of perimenopause. Second, smoking can cause deadly blood clots when combined with birth control pills - which your doctor may want to prescribe to treat your symptoms. That option is lost to you if you smoke.

Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes: Lubrication

If your low sex drive is caused by vaginal dryness, consider a water based lubricant, like KY Jelly. Using a lubricated condom can also help to reduce discomfort caused by friction.

Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes: Keep the temperature down

Keeping the house cooler can help prevent hot flashes from being so severe. Hot flashes can cause your body temperature to rise as much as 8 degrees! If the thermostat in your home is set too high, it will take your body longer to recover from a hot flash than it would if you were in a cool environment.

Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes: Lower Stress

Learning to deal with stress can actually help to relieve some symptoms of perimenopause. Meditation and massage can ease muscles and decrease the heart rate, lessening the frequency of hot flashes. Being more relaxed can help restore your sex drive, also.

None of these suggestions are meant as miracle cures or as a replacement for visiting your doctor. Some perimenopausal women need more intensive treatment, to include hormone replacement. But if you're suffering from symptoms of perimenopause such as a low sex drive or hot flashes, trying some of these methods of alleviating your symptoms may help lessen your discomfort.