As women grow older, they are faced with a known life change called menopause. Menopause is when the hormones that create and release eggs diminish quickly to extremely low to zero levels. This marks the end of her reproductive career. What most people suspect but may not realize is proven is that men also have a menopause-ish state called andropause. This is also called Late Onset Hypogonadism, which simply means the gonads or reproductive hormone manufacturers, reduce or discontinue their production.

When women experience menopause, they are often afflicted with symptoms that are becoming well known. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood swings may all be suffered by the perimenopausal woman. Low sex drive is often thought of as a symptom of menopause as well. In most situations, this is simply not the case. Low sex drive in these women may stem from many other reasons such as a fight with her significant other, or the discomfort may make sex painful. These causes make low sex drive a secondary or unrelated condition when related to the state of menopause.

For aging men, testosterone levels slowly decline, though in most not enough to halt sperm production. They can experience some distressing symptoms themselves such as weakness or lack of energy and mood swings. Andropause takes much longer to occur than menopause and could be such a steady decline over the years that the effects are barely noticed, at least along the journey.  Once the effects are noticed by the man himself, or his loved ones, many people think it is too late. That would be a false belief, as there are many ways to improve the situation for men.

For the people suffering menopause or andropause, there is a cure. Hormones only require a few vitamins and minerals to be manufactured properly according to many nutritional sources. B complex, zinc, cholesterol, protein, and vitamin E all play a role in the process that leads to sexual desire and ability to perform. Ensuring enough of these nutrients is easily done with a multivitamin and a healthy diet. Eating foods that help the body manufacture the diminishing hormones can alleviate the symptoms preventing them from wanting sex. Natural hormone replacement may also be something to try. These supplements do not give you the hormone; instead, they give you the tools your body needs to manufacture the diminished hormones. This is by far the healthiest and safest way to go about it.  

For women, there are also topical creams that may help with the issue of vaginal dryness. These contain estrogen, the missing hormone, which helps lubricate the area. This in and of itself could increase sex drive dramatically. These types of creams come in a natural, herbal variety you can buy over the counter. There are also stronger varieties that you can get from your pharmacist. Ask your doctor for advice and details for these types of products to find the treatment for you.