Sex, Sanity and Sleep

By Nadu Tuakli, MD, MPH, FAAFP

Anti-Aging & Longevity Institute

. http://www.anti-agingdoctor.com/

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Sex, Sanity and Sleep

Sex, sanity and sleep can decrease as women become menopausal. Men on the other hand may suffer from fatigue and impotence as they get older.

Other symptoms of menopause and hormone imbalance include

Hot flashes

Mood swings and irritability

Poor memory

Ringing in the ears

Headaches

Irregular heartbeat

Dry, thin skin

Vaginal dryness, irritation, and

itching

Increased urinary tract infections

Pain during sexual activity

Depression and anxiety

Hormonal change with age is a very big subject, but for this month and next month we'll stick to the three main issues sex, sleep and sanity.

Part One Sex

Is sex good for you? Studies show that people who stay sexually active longer, live longer. Intercourse produces feel-good hormones that give us a feeling of nurturing as well as physical and psychological release.

In both men and women the most important sex organ is the brain. For some people, sex is more important than both food and sleep.

The entire sexual experience is affected by what a person feels about themselves and their partner. One has to be “in the mood” to enjoy intercourse.

With all the responsibilities and other stressors modern women face it is not surprising that they often experience a low sex drive. This is compounded by the hormone imbalance that comes with perimenopause and menopause, along with psychological, relational and physical factors.

It is well known that the two things married couples argue about most are sex and money. Nature does little to support sexual activity as we age, so marital stress as a result of poor libido is a very common problem.

How Can You Improve Your Sex Life?

With openness as well as intimacy. Communicate.

A supportive, uncritical partner promotes libido; the opposite suppresses it.

Examine your surroundings. Is your environment conducive to sexual activity? Do a stress inventory. List the stressors in your life and figure out what factors you can change. If you have no time for recreation and recharging, your libido will suffer regardless.

Get a complete physical exam to make sure you don't have any medical issues.

o Avoid alcohol

o Exercise

o Never douche

Herbal remedies and supplements can be helpful. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss them.

Ask your doctor if any of your medications cause sexual dysfunction.

Consider hormone replacement if needed.

Natural hormones can help improve your libido and sex life, allowing you to return to who you naturally are.

You never have to give up sex at any age, but you do need to try to look at it differently.

Give up old-fashioned notions and unrealistic expectations, like the idea that the male and female must climax at the same time (Mission Impossible).

The couple must redefine sex as connection, pleasure and closeness as opposed to just being on a journey to climax.

Bio-identical hormones will help all the symptoms mentioned above and they are safe for most people.