by Alicia Potee
Lots of things get better with age—and these days, metaphors drawing on everything from wine to classic cars are so commonplace as to be cliché. But sex is one thing you won’t usually see topping that list.
It’s a bit of a myth, really—the idea that good sex is reserved for the young. Yet the notion is so pervasive that many older people have given up on a healthy sex life after 50. But the truth is that there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying emotional and physical intimacy long after you’ve reached retirement.
And yes, it can be better than ever. It just might require a little more “maintenance.”
Bringing Balance Back to the BedroomIt’s a well-known fact that age-related hormonal changes—namely, menopause and andropause—can sap your sex drive. That’s one reason why hormone balance is so critical for both men and women.
For older guys, the most obvious hormonal trigger of sexual dysfunction is a significant drop in testosterone levels—or “low T” as it’s often called. This decline begins in your thirties. And by the age of 60 and beyond, its symptoms—including lethargy, trouble concentrating, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction (ED)—are obvious in nearly half of all men.1
Meanwhile, maintaining youthful levels of estrogen and progesterone remains the most prominent goal in maintaining a woman’s sex life. Decreasing female hormones can lead to a long list of lust-robbing complications. The loss of vaginal muscle tone and lubrication that accompanies menopause can turn an otherwise pleasurable sexual encounter into an uncomfortable—and even painful—experience.
But scientists are now discovering that testosterone may be a hidden link in the female libido, too.
As it turns out, this conventionally “male” hormone is just as crucial to a woman’s sex drive as estrogen and progesterone. And yet, diminished testosterone levels in both younger and older women often go undiagnosed by doctors who dismiss this hormone’s vital importance.
This is a shame, because research shows that a little extra “T” can make all the difference to a woman’s desire—especially after menopause when levels sharply decline. One 2002 study showed that administering traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) via a patch as opposed to orally helped to preserve levels of free testosterone in postmenopausal women. As a result, women using an HRT patch enjoyed more orgasms, arousal and sexual fantasies than women on oral HRT.2
Later research shows that women with hysterectomies and ovary removal (oophorectomy) may receive even more benefit from testosterone replacement. Studies indicate that low doses can improve sexual function in this population by as much as 74 percent—and that it can increase desire by more than half.3
Likewise, ensuring that healthy DHEA levels are sustained is vital for a healthy libido. DHEA is a precursor hormone and it’s essential for naturally sustained testosterone production within the body.
Of course, you want to rule out other common causes of reduced sex drive before you try doubling down on testosterone—like low thyroid, for example. And you shouldn’t underestimate the influence that your mind has on your libido, either.
In fact, a frequent culprit behind low testosterone also happens to be one of the most notorious mood-killers around: stress.
Better Sex is a Mind-Body Affair
It seems obvious to say that stress can take a toll on your sex life. But the reasons for this association aren’t always as straightforward as you may think. And, not surprisingly, hormones come into play in this situation, too.
That’s because stressful times—and especially chronic stress—cause unhealthy elevations in the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol. Increased cortisol output can overwhelm your adrenal glands, which in turn produce less libido-sustaining testosterone as a result.4 And this shift can dramatically affect sexual performance in both women and men.
Stress also paves the way to depression, which is equally devastating to sexual function. And not just because of its effects on your mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which doctors routinely prescribe to treat clinical depression, can cause sexual problems in up to half of all patients.5
Of course, your brain directs sexuality in ways that aren’t psychological, too. And your central nervous system plays a vital role in arousal whether you’re a man or a woman. One way it does this is by triggering the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the endothelium, which is the layer of cells that lines your blood vessels. This response to sexual stimulation relaxes your smooth muscles—including those in your genitals—allowing them to fill with blood.
Incidentally, NO also plays a key role in regulating blood pressure—which is why sexual function is such a reliable barometer of heart health in both men and women. Research shows that as many as 75 percent of men with ischemic heart disease also struggle with ED.6 And among women with coronary artery disease, the rate of sexual dysfunction practically doubles.7
It’s a scary association, no doubt. But despite this common (and understandable) fear, there’s no reason why a history of cardiovascular problems should cut into your bedroom behavior. Assuming your condition is stable, the actual risk of sex causing a heart attack is extremely low—less than one percent, in fact.8
The bottom line? Chances are more than good that your ticker can take the heat.
While we’re busy dispelling myths, let’s take a look at an especially common one—that Viagra® is the only way for a man to stay virile after 50.
It’s easy to see where this idea came from. The fact is that Viagra works—specifically, it maximizes penile blood flow by blocking an enzyme responsible for winding down sexual response. But popping a little blue pill isn’t the only way to prime your body for action. In fact, there are several natural substances that provide your body with similar support—no prescription necessary.
There are two distinct bases to cover in the quest for sexual satisfaction—physical arousal and libido. A smart selection of supplements can address both. And, luckily, the same regimen can benefit most women in the bedroom, too.
Tribulus terrestris, for example, has a long history of libido enhancement in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Animal studies support its use, showing that it can boost androgen levels and increase nitric oxide release.9 Plus, it can lower levels of libido-squashing prolactin in women too, leading to a significant spike in sex drive.10
Eurycoma longifolia jack root extract, also known as tongkat ali, is a small tree native to Indonesia, Malaysia and somewhat in Vietnam and Thailand. Animal studies have shown that Eurycoma longifolia can increase libido and act as an aphrodisiac in male rats.11-12 Additionally, a study published in 2009 found that male rats given Eurycoma longifolia enjoyed improved sexual performance, including an increase in mounting and ejaculation. They also had higher levels of testosterone as compared to controls.13
If antidepressants are dragging your sex drive down, consider a daily supplement of Ginkgo biloba. Trials show that this popular botanical enjoys a 76 percent effectiveness rate when it comes to combating SSRI-related erectile dysfunction.14 And studies on both genders taking antidepressants show significant improvements in stifled sexual response within as little as three to six weeks of use.15
Finally, if a test exposes low testosterone as the reason behind your lackluster sex life, a little dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can help.
Studies have connected low circulating DHEA with sexual complaints among women. Supplementation, however, can boost levels of free testosterone and help to elevate sex drive, especially in women with adrenal exhaustion.16 And clinical trials also show that a daily dose of DHEA can boost erectile function and sexual performance in men with ED, too.17
Reach Out and Touch Someone
At the end of the day, good old-fashioned communication might be the best aphrodisiac at your disposal. The emotional connection you’ll find in a deep, mature relationship can be just as gratifying as the physical one—if not even more so. And taking the time to nurture this intimacy will ensure that you and your partner are truly satisfied, whether your sex life has slowed down or not.
In other words, it’s okay if you’re just not as interested in sex as you used to be. Your relationship doesn’t have to suffer for it… and intercourse isn’t the only route to real gratification.
Openly share your needs, desires and fantasies with your partner. Listen to your partner’s needs and desires, too—after all, you’re in this together. But most importantly, be patient and understanding with one another. Because sometimes, simply being close is all it takes to keep the fire stoked and, as the saying goes, a slow burn is always hotter.
References:
1. Morgentaler A, et al. JAMA. 1996 Dec 18;276(23):1904-6.
2. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2002 May 28.
3. Peck, Peggy. “Testosterone improves sex for some women.” 5 May 2004. http://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20040505/testosterone-improves-sex-for-some women.
4. Freer, Kate. “How sex, cortisol, and hormonal imbalance affect sex drive.” 21 Jan 2010. http://voices.yahoo.com/how-stress-cortisol-hormonal-imbalance-affect-5320769.html?cat=5.
5. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Aug 15;62(4):782-6.
6. Kloner RA, et al. J Urol. 2003;170:S46-S50.
7. Kaya C, et al. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print.]
8. Stephens, Stephanie. “Let’s talk about sex: After a heart attack.” HEART Insight. May 2012. Volume 6, Issue 2, p. 8-11.
9. Gauthaman K, et al. J Altern Complement Med.. 2003 Apr;9(2):257-65.
10. Dean W. The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging Chapter 5. The Female Reproductive Homeostat. Vitamin Research News. December 1, 2005; 19(11).
11. Ang HH and Lee KL. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2002;13(3):249-54.
12. Ang HH, et al. Exp Anim. 2000 Jan;49(1):35-8.
13. Zanoli P, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Nov 12;126(2):308-13.
14. Cohen AJ, et al. J Sex Marital Ther. 1998;24:139-43.
15. Wheatley D. Human Psychopharmacol. 1999;14;512-3.
16. Saltzman E, et al. Semin Reprod Med. 2006 Apr;24(2):97-105.
17. Reiter WJ, et al. Urology. 1999;53:590-4.
http://www.wholehealthinsider.com/newsletter/2012/december/heating-up-the-bedroom-at-any-age/
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