During and after the menopause transition, lower estrogen can lead to dryness, irritation, and thinning of the vaginal tissues. This is sometimes called genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It can make intimacy uncomfortable or even painful, and that alone can shut desire down because your body is smart and avoids what hurts.
Desire changes. You may not feel “spontaneously in the mood” the way you used to, and that’s normal in midlife.
Emotional disconnection shows up: exhaustion, stress, mental overload, resentment, not feeling seen.
Hormone shifts can change natural lubrication and sensitivity, but overall depletion matters too. Chronic stress, low sleep, low omega-3 intake, and just being stretched thin can all lower interest and make your body less relaxed and receptive.
We can treat the physical discomfort directly with safe, local therapies that restore moisture, elasticity, and comfort. We also talk about desire in an honest way: responsive desire (getting into it once closeness starts) is very normal in this phase of life. You are not broken. You are allowed to have intimacy that feels good instead of like an obligation.
Intimacy should not hurt. Discomfort is a signal to support your body, not push through.
Compassionate, evidence-based hormone health care for women, delivered through secure telemedicine.
