Folks, we have eclipsed 100 posts and are still going strong. The many permutations which this thread has assumed are intriguing in their own right, but please allow me to throw out the following observations regarding its primary focus, which was the effect of hormonal status on libido (particularly for pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women) and see what your opinions are.
For a woman who is still in love with her partner and knows that she is deeply loved by him, I can see no reason that their sexual expressions of affection should suddenly decline simply because of menopause. On the other hand, there is more than anecdotal evidence that it does impact the libido of many women. I have one close personal friend who finally decided to file for divorce because of a sexual drought with his wife that had persisted for years. Putting the time line together, it almost certainly bracketed the years during which she went through menopause. I don't know if the interplay between hormonal status and libido should be interpreted most accurately as a "cause-and-effect" relationship or more of a correlation. Perhaps it should be construed ultimately as both a contributing factor and a barometer of the overall health of the relationship, just as ED should be considered an early warning signal of future cardiovascular disease. Your thoughts?
Originally Posted by BreastLuvr
The many instances of diminished and non-existent libido in wives is quite often a reason many of you fine gentlemen come to visit me and my counterparts. So, while I wouldn't wish the obvious drought on any man, I'm very happy to have the chance to meet you. And from talking to many men in that situation, it seems that an occasional visit with a provider takes the heat off a sexless (or sex-dimished) relationship at home and allows the gent to be a calmer, happier hubby.
And, on a personal note, I am 50+. I have always been a sexual animal. I have not gone through menopause so I can't speak to the diminished libido issue there. I must say, however, that should I get to that point, I will be searching for whatever remedy I can find. I can't imagine being sexless, nor would I want to!!