How to Increase Libido in Your 60s
As you age, the drop-off of your libido is inevitable. The body's production of sex drive-fueling hormones begins to slow while men begin developing more estrogen and women more testosterone. A major breaking point for women is menopause, when the libido takes a sharp drop. Men, on the other hand, have an increasing likelihood to suffer from erectile dysfunction as they age 1. However, there are steps you can take to revitalize your libido and keep your sex life in full swing.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Cut out smoking and minimize alcohol consumption. Both lead to a drop in testosterone levels, and smokers are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than non-smokers 1.
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Eat foods that promote the production of hormones and pheromones while giving a boost to your libido. Celery, bananas, avocados, figs and nuts are all known to benefit the libido. Celery provides androgen, an odorless hormone that attracts women, and it can also ease some of the symptoms of menopause that can aid in a drop in libido 2.
Exercise frequently, if not daily. The exercise helps in the creation of hormones and improves blood pressure and circulation.
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Talk to your doctor about possible medications you can take to improve your sex drive. Men have the option of Viagra and Prozac, among others, while women can improve their libido using water-based vaginal moisturizers, vaginal estrogen and Tribolone, a synthetic steroid used to mimic other hormones in order to stimulate your libido.
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References
- Foundation 49: Erectile Dysfunction Prevention
- Everyday Health: Menopause and Female Libido
- Calabrò RS, Cacciola A, Bruschetta D, et al. Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: A neglected or unknown issue? Brain Behav. 2019 Dec;9(12):e01389. doi:10.1002/brb3.1389
- Culley C. Carson III, Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism in primary care practice. Boston University School of Medicine. Feb 7, 2003.
- Brawer MK. Testosterone replacement in men with andropause: An overview. Rev Urol. 2004;6(Suppl 6):S9-S15.
- West SL, D’Aloisio AA, Agans RP, Kalsbeek WD, Borisov NN, Thorp JM. Prevalence of low sexual desire and hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a nationally representative sample of US women. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(13):1441-1449.
- Herman JP, McKlveen JM, Ghosal S, et al. Regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical stress response. Compr Physiol. 2016; 6(2): 603–621. doi:10.1002/cphy.c150015
- Hamilton LD, Rellini AH, Meston CM. Cortisol, sexual arousal, and affect in response to sexual stimuli. J Sex Med. 2008;5(9):2111-2118. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00922.x
- Rizk PJ, Kohn TP, Pastuszak AW, Khera M. Testosterone therapy improves erectile function and libido in hypogonadal men. Curr Opin Urol. 2017 Nov; 27(6): 511–515.doi:10.1097/MOU.0000000000000442
Writer Bio
Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.