Menopause And Mojo

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Some women may also experience a loss of sexual desire, or "mojo," during menopause. The hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause physical symptoms such as vaginal dryness, which can make sexual activity uncomfortable. Additionally, the decreased levels of oestrogen and testosterone during menopause can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and sexual response. Emotional factors such as stress, depression, and fatigue can also contribute to a loss of sexual desire during menopause. The added stress of going through menopause and the changes it brings can also affect a woman's mood and emotional well-being, leading to a loss of interest in sexual activity.

There are a variety of treatments available to help alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve sexual function, including hormone therapy, vaginal lubricants, and counselling. It's important to note that every woman's experience of menopause is different and what works for one person may not work for another. It's recommended to talk to a healthcare professional to understand the possible causes and to find the best treatment options that work for you.

The “mo” in BOMIMO stands for mojo, which can also be another way of describing libido.  One of the most difficult aspects of the menopause is the affect it may have upon your libido, and you’re your drive or zest for life (‘mojo’) in general.  There are many reasons why sex and intimacy can be affected by the changes we experience during this transitional time, including vaginal dryness and thinning genital tissue (linked to lower levels of oestrogen), anxiety and low mood, pain during intercourse and bladder control issues.  Life stress shouldn't be underestimated here – during menopause we're likely to still be raising teenagers or young adults, and may also be looking after ageing parents, so we have a lot on our plates.

The MenoShake™ contains many ingredients, including Maca powder, KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Panax Ginseng and Zinc and that have been specifically selected to offer support when it comes to low mood and which can contribute to the relief of anxiety, so it can really help to boost our mojo. 

• Maca powder is made from the root of the maca plant, which is native to the Andes mountains in South America. It is often marketed as a natural supplement to improve sexual function and libido. There is some preliminary scientific evidence to suggest that maca powder may have an effect on libido. A few small studies have found that maca powder may improve sexual desire and satisfaction in men and women. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment. 

• KSM-66 Ashwagandha is an extract of the root of the ashwagandha plant, which is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve sexual function and libido. It is also used as a general tonic to reduce stress and improve overall health. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that KSM-66 Ashwagandha may have a positive effect on libido. A few small studies have found that Ashwagandha may improve sexual function and desire in men and women. Additionally, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce stress which can have a positive impact on sexual function.

• Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng or Korean ginseng, is a traditional Chinese and Korean medicine used for overall wellness and to improve sexual function and libido. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that Panax ginseng may have a positive effect on libido. Some studies have found that ginseng may improve sexual function and desire in women. The main active compounds in ginseng, ginsenosides, are thought to be responsible for these effects.

• Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including sexual health. It is important for the production of testosterone, which is a hormone that plays a key role in sexual function and libido in women. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that zinc may have a positive effect on libido. It's important to note that more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment. A balanced diet containing zinc-rich foods such as oysters, lean meats, nuts and seeds, beans, and whole grains can help to ensure adequate zinc intake. It's worth mentioning that taking too much zinc can have negative effects, such as copper deficiency and nausea.

Our mental state plays a very important role in sexual arousal and confidence; being “in the mood” really does start in our heads.  If we're anxious about sex, we need to address the source of the anxiety, which can be a symptom of the hormonal changes we are experiencing during menopause.

Vaginal dryness can cause pain during intercourse, but lubricants and HRT can make a massive difference here.  We'd love to get our hands on Frankie's organic yam lubricant recipe from Grace and Frankie (which, if you haven't seen, is on Netflix and definitely worth a watch) but there are lots of options available in pharmacies and supermarkets (and online).  If you're using barrier contraception be careful about using anything oil based as it can degrade rubber, and some oil based lubricants can worsen vaginal dryness.

HRT and oestrogen therapy may also help address the issue of vaginal dryness and help to slow the thinning of vaginal tissue, so used in combination with topical lubricants these therapies can be a great way to restore moisture in our most intimate of places.  If you still find intercourse painful, speak to your GP or gynaecologist as they may be able to treat any underlying causes and conditions such as vaginismus. 

It's perfectly normal for women to experience mild bladder control loss during menopause and this can be a source of embarrassment during sex.  An understanding partner is a great help with this issue, but we're not all blessed with that luxury.  Emptying the bladder before sex will help minimise any leakage, but the best defence against this common issue is our own self-confidence and knowing you are not alone.  If you haven't already discussed this with your friends, we'd bet that they'd be relieved if someone starts that conversation – this affects more women than you might expect.  Swapping tips and having a good laugh about it can make a huge difference and give you confidence to approach the issue with your partner.

It also helps to look at how sex has changed for you over the years.  As women age, many of us drop a lot of our inhibitions and if it works for you, you can continue to try new things.  If penetrative sex isn't working for you right now, there are lots of ways that you can still be intimate and achieve sexual pleasure – it's all about finding what works for you in the moment.  Try spending more time on setting the mood and fun foreplay, shifting the focus to other ways of enjoying the physical side of your relationship.

On the bright side, as kids leave home and you don't have to worry about contraception (although be firmly sure that you are postmenopausal to avoid any accidents,) you may have more time for sex and intimacy, so take advantage of these benefits and let The MenoShake™ to give your mojo a boost.

 By Samantha Williams