After the age of 40 , in women, but partly also in men, sexual desire can begin to become less intense than in the past, due to various factors ranging from increased stress to the lower production of certain hormones . There is no need to be alarmed, however, because it is possible to reverse the trend.
Reasons for Decreased Sexual Desire After 40
- Hormonal changes;
- Stress and fatigue;
- Unbalanced diet;
- Lack of physical activity;
- Bad habits.
The reasons why sexual desire can decrease after 40 are different and affect both the physical and psychological spheres . As reported in the study Sexual behavior and sexual dysfunctions after age 40 published in NIH, the hormonal changes that have a drastic impact are : in men, testosterone levels tend to decrease, while in women, estrogen and progesterone levels undergo variations.
Hormonal changes also lead to increased levels of cortisol , which causes stress , fatigue, and anxiety, all of which affect well-being in the bedroom. Diet also makes a difference : excessive consumption of refined sugars, trans fats, and foods rich in salt interferes with blood circulation and hormone production, negatively affecting libido and sexual performance.
Furthermore, the lack of sporting activity further alters the hormonal balance and causes circulation problems: the blood flows less efficiently, reducing arousal and sensitivity. Finally, bad habits also make a difference , more than harmful: smoking, for example, narrows the blood vessels, hindering the flow of blood to the genitals.
How do hormones affect it?
- Low testosterone levels make it difficult to get an erection;
- Decreased estrogen and progesterone impacts lubrication and sensitivity;
- Cortisol inhibits the production of sex hormones;
- The alteration of dopamine and serotonin causes less sexual pleasure and motivation;
- The reduction of oxytocin reduces the sense of intimacy and emotional connection.
As we have said, changes in hormonal activity are the main culprits of the decline in sexual desire after the age of 40. During this period, due to the natural aging process, men see their testosterone levels decrease , which translates into reduced sexual energy, less frequent erections and a decrease in muscle mass.
As for women, around the age of 40, estrogen and progesterone begin to decrease , which in addition to causing changes in the menstrual cycle , significantly affects sexual desire, causing it to decrease significantly. At this age, moreover, women enter a phase of life called perimenopause , which precedes menopause by about a decade and creates emotional dysregulation.
In both men and women, these changes cause, as we have already said, an increase in the levels of cortisol , a stress hormone that inhibits the production of sexual hormones and impacts the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin , responsible for the sensation of pleasure and motivation.
Finally, to further aggravate the situation, there is the fact that after the age of 40, oxytocin also begins to decrease : this hormone, synthesized by the hypothalamus and released into the blood via the pituitary gland, can be defined as a sort of anti-stress and carries out various functions.
In addition to promoting relaxation and improving the quality of sleep , it is responsible for the general state of well-being and satisfaction and therefore plays a fundamental role in sexual desire , being involved in every phase of the relationship , from foreplay to the sexual act itself, up to reaching orgasm and beyond.
The impact of stress
- Due to lack of concentration;
- It alters metabolism;
- Causes sleep disturbances;
- It reduces energy that could be used for sex.
Several studies (including Perceived stress trajectories from age 25 to 50 years published in the scientific journal Sage Journal) show that after the age of 40, it is much more likely to suffer from acute or chronic stress . Logically, this also impacts on sexual life: well-being in the bedroom is strongly influenced by this negative state of mind.
High levels of stress can be caused by various factors, from negative or traumatic events that occur in one’s life to workloads that are difficult to sustain, to which is often added, especially for women, the mental burden of caring for people in one’s family and home, which often falls solely or predominantly on women’s shoulders.
The consequences are varied: they range from lack of concentration to an alteration of the metabolism (which can cause nervous hunger, weight gain and low self-esteem), through sleep disorders and fatigue that reduces the energy needed for a pleasant and satisfying sexual activity. The result, however, is only one: a zeroed libido or at least a very compromised one.
For further information:Mental Wellbeing and Sexual Pleasure After 40
What are the consequences of decreased sexual desire?
- Increased stress and irritability;
- Deterioration of physical health;
- More pronounced hormonal imbalances;
- Increased likelihood of depression and anxiety.
The decrease in sexual desire is much more frequent starting from the age of 40, but it can occur at any age and the consequences are the same: sexuality plays an important role in controlling stress and mood , therefore the absence of intimate relationships reduces the production of endorphins and oxytocin , hormones that promote well-being and reduce irritability. Consequently, people who experience a decrease in desire may feel more nervous, anxious and stressed.
It can also affect your overall health : sex helps keep your heart healthy, strengthens your immune system, and improves muscle tone, so its absence could increase your risk of cardiovascular and metabolic problems. There is also a hormonal backlash, because fewer beneficial hormones are released, which increases the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
The downward curve of libido can therefore have negative repercussions on general well-being, but not only that: the impact on the life of a couple should not be underestimated , because the lack of intimate relationships can lead to tension, misunderstandings and a sense of frustration in the relationship.
Actions to limit the decline in desire after 40
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle;
- Reduce stress;
- Do sports;
- Stimulate the mind and body.
At the beginning we said that it is possible to reverse the curve of the decline of libido and, in fact, it is so. However, you must be ready to change even drastically, changing your habits and adopting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. The primary objective must be to regain balance and energy , taking care of your diet first.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats (like omega-3s) promotes the production of testosterone and estrogen, helps detoxify cortisol and therefore lower its levels , allowing you to manage stress and regain emotional well-being . Regular physical exercise , especially weight training and Pilates, also helps release tension, decrease cortisol levels and improve blood circulation, all essential for sexual desire.
Finally, it is important to stimulate the mind and body: introducing novelties into the relationship, such as trips, different experiences or erotic games, helps to keep passion and sexual interest alive and to increase oxytocin levels.
Sexual well-being is essential even at 50 .
For further information:Is it possible to change at 40?
How to increase oxytocin levels?
Speaking of oxytocin levels, to increase them even more it is very useful to perform actions that involve the body’s production, such as kissing , hugging or cuddling. Another method to ensure that this hormone, so crucial for sexual desire, returns to high levels is to reduce stress in the bedroom.
It is therefore necessary to try to often carve out moments for yourself and your partner , even just to chat, communicate, update each other and talk about what you feel and your needs. If your oxytocin levels are very low and the situation requires it, only with a doctor’s prescription can you take bioidentical hormones , which can also be effective against hormonal imbalances related to menopause and perimenopause.
To get your libido back to higher levels, you also need to give your couple routine a boost , introducing some new elements if possible, in agreement with your partner. Follow the Mypersonaltrainer WhatsApp channel to stay up to date on all the news.
