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The hormone estrogen is crucial for both sex drive and well-being. When estrogen levels drop, for example during menopause, this can lead to decreased desire, dry mucous membranes and reduced sensitivity to touch. Reduced blood circulation in the genitals and altered neurotransmitters in the brain can also affect arousal and pleasure.
Fatigue and stress often worsen the situation, but there are solutions. Hormone therapy, exercise, dietary changes and vaginal estrogen creams can help. If you suspect estrogen deficiency, a hormone test can provide answers and guidance.
The role of estrogen in the body
Estrogen affects many functions in the body, but for some, the hormone plays a particularly important role:
- Mucous membrane health – Estrogen contributes to moisture and elasticity in the genital area.
- Blood circulation – Estrogen improves blood flow to the genitals and increases sensitivity to sexual stimulation.
- Signaling substances in the brain – Estrogen affects dopamine and serotonin, both of which are strongly linked to pleasure, desire and well-being.
What can happen when estrogen levels drop and estrogen deficiency occurs is that these functions are affected, which often results in decreased sex drive, dry mucous membranes and reduced sensitivity to touch.
4 Ways Estrogen Deficiency Can Affect Sex Drive
1. Reduced Blood Flow to the VaginaEstrogen helps increase blood circulation in the genitals. When levels drop, blood flow decreases, which can lead to lower sensitivity, difficulty achieving orgasm, and reduced sexual arousal.
2. Dry and Fragile Vaginal Mucous MembranesDecreased estrogen levels can cause the vaginal mucous membranes to become both dry and fragile. This can cause pain during intercourse, which in turn can lead to decreased desire and avoidance of intimacy.
3. Impact on Brain Signaling SubstancesEstrogen affects levels of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, hormones linked to pleasure, reward, and emotional closeness. When estrogen deficiency strikes, this can lead to decreased sex drive, depression, and increased stress.
4. Fatigue and lack of energyHormonal changes can also contribute to increased fatigue and decreased energy, which in itself can affect the desire to be intimate.
What can be done about estrogen deficiency and low sex drive?
Hormone therapy: Estrogen supplements (such as tablets, patches, or vaginal creams) can relieve symptoms and improve sex drive.
Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) can help support hormone balance. However, it is important not to use phytoestrogens for more than a few months without talking to your doctor.
Physical activity: Exercise can help increase blood circulation, reduce stress, and increase levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body.
Reduce stress: High stress levels can worsen hormonal imbalance. Relaxation, mindfulness, and good sleep can have a positive effect on both hormones and sex drive.
Lubricants and vaginal estrogen creams: Can relieve dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
When should you test your hormones?
If you experience prolonged low sex drive, dry mucous membranes, or other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, it may be a good idea to test your estrogen levels and other hormones that can provide a better picture of your hormonal balance and its effect on your sex drive.
