Lack of interest in sex is commonly regarded as a sign of depression, but in perimenopausal women suppressed libido and depression are complex bedfellows. Depression and lack of libido may both be signs of a hormonal imbalance, but the hormonal component is often overlooked, under the mistaken assumption that women in their forties are too young for “the change.” Women who are prescribed an antidepressant may find their interest in sex more remote than ever. That was true of Caroline, who at 48 said she had little sexual desire and that when she did make love, she found the experience curiously unsatisfying.

Caroline’s feelings of depression might have been independent of hormonal changes, but I wanted to make sure we had the whole picture. At the end of our discussion, I suggested that she talk with her health care provider about three issues:

- Hormone measurement. Measuring the saliva or blood levels of Caroline’s estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone would give us more information about other possible influences on her lack of libido and depression.

- Alternative medication for her depression. Caroline was taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These medications can be very effective in managing depression, but some women report side effects of decreased libido or difficulty reaching orgasm. Switching to a different SSRI sometimes helps, but some women prefer to try the herb St. John’s wort. This herb also acts on serotonin levels but does not have side effects.

- Referral for counseling. Caroline said she “loved her husband dearly” but also had feelings of lingering disappointment about his erratic career and the financial burden that his spotty work record had placed on her. I could see this was a difficult subject for Caroline, and I thought it would help her to explore it more fully, initially in one-on-one counseling and perhaps later with her husband in joint counseling.

Related posts:

1. The Basics of Signs of Perimenopause – Guilty of Depression

2. The Basics of Mood Swings During Perimenopause – Depression

3. The Basics of the Changes in Sex Drive During Perimenopause

4. Treatment for Depression – The Basics

5. The Basics of Testosterone for Women for Treatment During Perimenopause

6. The Basics of Signs of Perimenopause – Forgetfulness and Trouble Concentrating

7. The Basics of the Effects of Antidepressants In Perimenopause

8. The Basics of Perimenopause – Progesterone and Mood

9. Warning Signs of Depression

10. The Basics of the Subtle Connections About Daily-Life Things When Going Through Perimenopause