Changes in a Females Libido

The term libido was first used by Freud to refer to sexual instinct. He found that libido usually manifested during the puberty stage and would develop fully at maturity. It was previously believed that libido was absent during childhood. However, he believed it to be present at birth and throughout a lifetime. This belief was discovered to be correct. All of us are born with a libido. It just begins to mature at puberty.

Changes in a female's libido can be caused by a variety of reasons. The main reason is her hormonal fluctuation. Hormone levels fluctuate rapidly throughout the month. At one point the libido level can be high, and the very next day, the libido level can be low. Sexual responses are largely mediated by estrogen. Thus any decrease in estrogen level, as with menopause and postmenopausal, will affect the female's libido. Medication, illness, depression, age and stress are also causes for a female's decreased libido levels.

During pregnancy, many women may find an increased sexual desire because they no longer have to worry about birth control. While others may find themselves confused about sex, as their image of themselves becomes more of a motherly view. Still others find themselves always thinking about sex, both dreams and fantasies. Of course, as with all women, pregnant women will find that these views change rapidly during the course of their pregnancy. It is very natural for libido to be very low during the first trimester due to all the physical changes and stresses on the body, while during the second trimester, it is not uncommon for the sex drive to be increased. This could be due to the fact that more blood is flowing through the vagina and reproductive organs, causing more arousal than normal. As well, an increase in breast size may cause an increase in feeling sexy and attractive. Most women will notice a lack of libido during the third trimester due to an increase and shift in body weight.

Over the past few years, numerous ""libido enhancers"" have become available on the market. Most enhancers contain herbs to improve sexual function. These usually include Black Cohosh, which mimics estrogen, Damaina, which increases clitoral sensitivity and Muira Puama, which increases the libido. They are taken orally in the form of capsules or available in topical formulas. Herbs should be taken with caution, especially when other medications are in use.

Of course it is a known fact that decreased libido is known to be a hormonal imbalance. However, altering your lifestyle is a great way to reduce menopausal symptoms. Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce fatigue, stress and poor physical conditions. Regardless of which method is chosen, or both, the important thing to remember is that regaining a healthy sex drive increased intimacy and physical pleasure.