Can You Have a Higher Sex Drive During Menopause?

Menopause Is Defined by a Woman’s Not Having Had Her Period for 12 Consecutive Months, and the Average Age at Which Menopause Occurs Is 52. (That Is, “Natural Menopause” Is Defined in This Way, When a Cisgender Woman Stops Releasing Eggs, and Periods Cease. Women Can Also Go Through Menopause by Having a Hysterectomy or by Having Their Ovaries Damaged, as Through Chemotherapy.)

Is This Increase in Sex Drive Normal?

And Among My Acquaintanceship, There Are Quite a Few Women Who Are Indeed “Enjoying” This “Symptom” During This Time in Their Lives. Lynn from Arlington, Va, for Example, Is 49, and While She Has Some Traditional Symptoms of Perimenopause, Such as Irregular Periods and Night Sweats, She’s Also Experienced an Increase in Her Sex Drive for the Last Few Year's. Jordan, 43, from San Jose, Ca, Experienced a Decrease in Libido a Few Year's Ago, but Recently, as Other Perimenopause Symptoms Have Kicked In, She’s Definitely Seen an Upsurge in Her Libido.

What Are Treatment Options If You Have a Lower Sex Drive During Perimenopause?

If You Do Experience a Loss in Libido and Are Unhappy About It, There Are Some Things You Can Do to Help. Experts Recommend Asking Your Doctor About Hormone Replacement Therapy, Using over-the-Counter Lubricants, Exercising to Improve Your Mood and Self-Esteem, Communicating with Your Partner to Let Them Know What You’re Going Through, And, Whether You Have a Partner or Not, “Changing Things Up. ”

High Sex Drive During Perimenopause: What to Know

By James H. Sterling

• Oct 8, 2026 • 5 min read

High Sex Drive During Perimenopause: What to Know

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Ask a Group of Women What They Fear Most About Menopause, and You’re Bound to Hear “Loss of Sex Drive” on Many of Their Lists. Other Symptoms, Such as Hot Flashes, Insomnia, and Mood Swings Just Don’t Seem to Say “Goodbye, Youth” in Quite the Same Way That Loss of Libido Does.

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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