Hormones and Sex
Not in the mood? Lost your mojo and sexual spark? Good communication and dealing with hormone imbalances are two keys to keeping sex drive alive 'til we are 95!
Our Approach: Optimal Sexual Health
I became interested in female sexuality over 20 years ago, when I started my own peri-menopausal transition into menopause. I was studying hormones and was fascinated by the effect of the hormones estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and progesterone on the brain, libido, and proper functioning of a woman’s vagina. When I started consulting with women on general hormone balance issues the issue of sex, orgasm, and sexuality would always come up. So a lot of time was being spent educating women on the effects of hormone deficiencies on their libido, mojo, and sex. I have to mention hormone testing here—it is crucial to get your hormones tested before embarking on any hormone therapy, but that is another whole show (or article) and I am happy to entertain questions about that.
We recommend testing your hormones! Shop test kits!
How Female Hormones Affect Sexuality
- Hormones are chemicals produced by your glands and organs that act as messengers throughout your body. Different hormones control a wide array of essential body functions, including energy level, growth and development, and reproduction.
- Peri-Menopause and Menopause put a woman’s body in flux in many ways. The hormones that have been regulating your reproductive cycle, sex drive, mood, and more are ebbing, and very often these low levels have a negative effect on your sex life.
- Unbalanced estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and progesterone other hormones are thought to be a primary cause of age-related female sexual dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, difficulty becoming aroused, and inability to reach orgasm.
Hormones Related to Sexual Health
- Estrogen is the primary female hormone, and it helps regulate the menstrual cycle, control the development of female sex organs, and thicken the lining of the uterus to support pregnancy. As a woman approaches menopause — the period of time known as perimenopause, levels of estrogen begin to decrease dramatically. When estrogen levels become so low that the uterine lining no longer thickens, menopause occurs. Low levels of estrogen can have a big impact on your sex drive. You may experience vaginal dryness that can lead to painful intercourse and you may have unstable mood and sleep patterns.
- Testosterone, which is primarily thought of as a male hormone, is also made by, and is important to, women. A woman's ovaries naturally produce testosterone, which is used to help make estrogen. Some studies have shown that higher levels of testosterone are associated with increased sexual desire and sexual behavior in women. And since testosterone levels tend to naturally decline in women after menopause, some researchers believe that low testosterone levels may contribute to the reduction of arousal and sexual response that often occurs in older women. Researchers have found that testosterone therapy may improve sexual desire in postmenopausal women who have problems with sex drive, sexual satisfaction, and vaginal dryness too. It can be compounded with Estrogen to be used vaginally in a Vitamin E based cream.
- Progesterone - Like estrogen, progesterone is another female hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. Levels of progesterone also decline when you reach menopause. While researchers are still working to understand the role that progesterone plays in a woman's sexual function, changing levels of progesterone are thought to be involved in a woman's sexual behavior.
- DHEA - Studies have shown that supplementation with DHEA suppositories increases libido, decreases vaginal dryness, and achieve orgasm.
Customized Gentle Hormone Restoration Therapy® can help with menopausal symptoms, vaginal dryness, sexual arousal, and make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
Do you lack sexual desire? Are you unable to fantasize? Do you have problems feeling aroused? Or turning desire into action?
Make sure you are getting enough testosterone. It arouses desire, promotes sexual fantasies, and makes you feel more in love.
Do your sex organs seem insensitive?
Testosterone increases the sensitivity of the glands of the penis and clitoris. Estrogen moistens and lubricates the vaginal mucous membranes, sensitizing the nerve endings in the vagina.
Is your clitoris hard to stimulate?
Testosterone gives men greater sexual capacity, enabling ejaculation, and erections, DHEA has similar effects, cortisol peaks excitement during sex.
Has your sexual odor changed or decreased? Have you lost body hair?
DHEA and testosterone increase sexual odor and sweat. They also develop hair in pubic hair and under arms.
Do you have a hard time calming down and relaxing after sex? Do you no longer fall into a deep sleep after making love?
Melatonin helps you relax, makes you drowsy, and causes you to fall into a deep sleep after lovemaking. Progesterone calms sexual desire and brings on feelings of fullness, serenity, passivity, relaxation and calmness.
Do you have a problem with vaginal lubrication?
Estrogen helps maintain moist membranes and keeps the vagina lubricated.
Have you lost the feeling of attraction to your partner?
Estrogen and testosterone enhance feelings of sexual attractiveness and make you feel more in love.
Wish you had more endurance?
Growth hormone can prolong erections of penis and clitoris and enhance endurance for any physical activity, including sex.
Consultations
"I reached out to Susan and she immediately had a solution for me. . . the natural supplements and hormones I receive from Murray Avenue Apothecary must be working because I have never felt better! My experience with Susan and Murray Avenue Apothecary has made me re-think conventional medicine as the only solution for my health issues. I recommend her to my friends and customers all the time. Thank you!"
Looking for answers?
Susan Merenstein, RPh/Owner, has over 40 years of pharmacy practice and over 21 years of clinical experience in Gentle Hormone Restoration Therapy®. Her expertise has led to positive changes in health and overall well-being and helped to increase the quality of life of many clients.
Consult with our pharmacist
- Step 1: Fill out and submit the hormone consultation form and a representative from Vital Health Pharmacist will contact you to schedule your personal one-on-one consultation with the pharmacist.
- Step 2: Consult with the pharmacist to go over your concerns and test results.
- Step 3: We will contact your physician if necessary to request prescriptions for Natural Hormone Replacement.
CONSULTATION FEES: 1 hr. - $125.00 // 30 min - $75.00
