Sex drive naturally declines in both men and women as they age. This is due to changing hormone levels. The drop-off can be particularly steep as a woman nears and reaches menopause. While plenty of research and options to counteract sexual dysfunction are available for men, little is said about this issue for women. Fortunately, there are things that can be done. Here is what you should know about low sex drive in women.

When Does A Woman Experience Low Sex Drive?

Some women never have a strong sex drive while others have a very strong drive. Both can be in the normal range, but it can be problematic if a woman's desire is dramatically different than her partner's level of interest or what she herself is accustomed to. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, and in the perimenopausal phase leading up to menopause and beyond can all affect desire. Additionally, relationship problems, stress, medications, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle habits can all adversely affect sex drive, too.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Low Sex Drive In Women?

Sex drive can't be qualified as every woman is different, but if you find yourself rarely interested in sexual activity, including masturbation, don't have any sexual thoughts or fantasies, and find this lack of interest bothersome, you may have a low sex drive.

What Options Does A Women Have To Increase Sex Drive?

• How Is Your Physical Health

The first thing a woman should explore are possible physical reasons for her lack of drive. Schedule an appointment with a woman's health physician. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes can all contribute to a low sex drive. These should all be ruled out. You should also go over any medications you are currently taking. The medications that are often prescribed for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes often have decreased sex drive as a side effect. Your doctor may decide to change your medication(s). Antidepressants and some birth control methods are also notorious for causing sexual dysfunction.

• How Is Your Lifestyle?

Smoking cigarettes, using illicit drugs, eating poorly, and consuming too much alcohol can all reduce your sex drive. If you are overweight or depressed, your sex drive can also be diminished as you may lack confidence or have a hard time finding enjoyment in your usual activities. A sedentary lifestyle may also result. Exercise is key for health and wellness, and that includes your sex drive.

After examining these issues, your physician may opt to prescribe you a medication called flibanserin. This is typically prescribed for perimenopausal women who complain of a low sex drive. Depending on your physical examination, your women's health physician may also recommend estrogen or testosterone supplementation as well.