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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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The Effects of Menopause on Libido

As women go through menopause, they might notice changes in their libido, or sex drive. This is due to the way menopause decreases hormone levels. Recent studies show that women are experiencing menopause symptoms by the time they are 40—earlier than ever—as opposed to in their late 40s. So, now it is even more important to realize all the ways that “the change” can affect life.

Menopause can negatively affect libido in several ways; during menopause, testosterone and estrogen levels decrease, leading to vaginal dryness and tightness. Lower levels of estrogen result in less blood supply to the vagina, making it more difficult to get aroused, and can also lead to thinning of the vaginal wall, known as vaginal atrophy. All these issues can cause pain or discomfort during intercourse. Additionally, menopause symptoms such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia and a decrease in energy can make women less interested in sex, as well.

Other physical changes during menopause might also affect libido. For example, many women gain fat and lose muscle during menopause—body changes that can make it hard to feel sexy, thereby decreasing the desire for sex. Hot flashes and night sweats are also common symptoms that deter intimacy.

Optimal estrogen and testosterone levels are associated with emotional and physical well-being—rebalancing hormone levels to those of youth replenishes the body so that people can live their best life at any age. The proven SottoPelle bioidentical hormone replacement therapy will do just that.

 Hundreds of body functions depend on the presence of these key hormones in order to work properly. This is true whether we are male or female, 19 or 91. Our need for hormonal balance never goes away.

Dr. Susan Matos-Cloke owns and operates Advanced Hormone Solutions, located at 122 E. Ridgewood Ave., in Paramus. She is a certified SottoPelle-trained natural hormone specialist and a 30-year board-certified internist. To make an appointment, call 201-225-2525, email [email protected] or visit AdvancedHormoneSolutions.com.

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Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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