Reduced Libido

Less desire for sex than before, without knowing why: reduced libido during menopause often has a hormonal cause.

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Middle-aged couple at home together

Do you recognize this?

Where sex used to feel natural, you now notice the desire simply isn't there anymore. This can come with guilt toward a partner, or a feeling that something's missing without knowing exactly what. Reduced libido is one of the symptoms that stays unspoken the longest, even though it's a real and common menopause symptom.

Many women recognize:

  • Less or no desire for sex
  • Trouble becoming aroused, even when you'd like to
  • Fatigue that gets in the way of intimacy
  • A feeling of distance from your own body

This isn't just a matter of character or relationship problems, there's often a hormonal component behind it.

Why does this happen?

Testosterone plays a direct role in libido, in women too. Testosterone levels decline gradually with age, relatively independent of menopause itself. Vaginal dryness, caused by estrogen loss, also contributes to pain or discomfort during sex, which can further reduce desire.

Fatigue from poor sleep, mood swings, and the overall burden of menopause symptoms also play a role. Libido is rarely just one thing, it's an interplay of hormones, physical comfort, and mental space.

Warm domestic atmosphere, illustrating reduced libido during menopause

What can you do yourself?

These adjustments can help, although the hormonal component is often the core issue:

  • Treat vaginal dryness if that's a factor, since pain during sex naturally reduces desire further.
  • Work on your sleep and energy, since fatigue is one of the biggest libido dampeners.
  • Talk about it with your partner. Being open about what's happening hormonally reduces misunderstanding on both sides.
  • Take the pressure off. Intimacy doesn't always have to lead to sex, which can reduce tension.
Effects

How Menovia addresses this

At Menovia, we discuss reduced libido openly and without judgment. During the intake, a BIG-registered doctor discusses your symptoms and the context they occur in. Through blood testing we map out your hormone levels, including testosterone, which isn't tested as standard in the Netherlands but does play an important role.

Based on that, the doctor draws up a personal treatment plan. Testosterone isn't available generically for women in the Netherlands, but at Menovia it can be personally prescribed through a compounding pharmacy. We also address vaginal dryness and sleep problems at the same time where relevant.

You can get started quickly: no waiting list, and the 10-minute introductory call is free.

This is what the treatment process looks like

Online Screening

Leave your details and schedule an intake. Through a digital questionnaire, we'll check whether you're eligible for a free introductory call (10 min) or intake (45 min). When scheduling, you pay a deposit of €150, which is deducted from the intake costs of your package.

Intake

You will discuss our program with one of our specialized doctors and decide whether to participate.

Blood & DNA research

You will receive the tests at home for a smooth process. Blood tests are done at a location near you.

Personal Treatment Plan

Based on your research results, the doctor will create a personal treatment plan, usually consisting of bioidentical hormone supplementation and, if necessary, supplements.

Start Traject

Het traject duurt minimaal 6 maanden om er zeker van te zijn dat we je goed begeleiden.

Monitoring

During your treatment, you will be in regular contact with our expert team. Blood tests are done every 12 weeks for adjustments.

Evaluation

At the end of your treatment, we will determine your next steps together. This may include a referral back to the doctor or further guidance with Menovia.

Behandelingen

Persoonlijke zorg, op maat samengesteld

Hormoontherapie

Bio-identieke hormonen, afgestemd op jouw bloedwaarden.

Lees meer →

Leefstijladvies

Voeding, beweging en slaap, onderdeel van elk traject.

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Afvallen (GLP-1)

Extra ondersteuning, als aanvulling op je behandelplan.

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Supplementen

Gericht advies, op basis van je bloedonderzoek.

Lees meer →

Frequently asked questions

Is reduced libido normal during menopause?

Yes, it's very common and often has a hormonal cause, particularly a declining testosterone level. You don't have to simply accept this as a given.

Can testosterone improve my libido?

For many women, personally dosed testosterone helps. Whether this fits your situation is assessed by the doctor based on your blood values and symptoms during the intake.

Is this a relationship problem or a hormonal problem?

Often a bit of both, but the hormonal component is often underestimated. A doctor can help clarify this distinction.

Are the costs reimbursed?

Since May 2026, part of the consultations are reimbursed through supplementary insurance, depending on your insurer and policy.

Want to know more?

Go to our frequently asked questions

Experiences from other women

Start with personal hormonal guidance

Want to find out whether hormone therapy is right for you and what your body needs during menopause? Schedule an intake consultation with Menovia.

More menopause symptoms