Allow me to swim without glasses?
you think this has happened and can I have medication to change this?
AUNFORTUNATELY this is a common problem in older women and usually occurs as a result of the fall in hormones that occurs after the menopause.
Libido is driven by the hormones oestrogen and testosterone which are produced by the ovaries but levels plummet once the ovaries stop working. Some testosterone continues to be produced by the adrenal glands after menopause but levels are much lower.
The tissue around the genital area can also become dry and this can make sex uncomfortable or even painful, which can be a bit of a turn-off for future lovemaking.
In younger post-menopausal women, HRT can help to restore their sex drive but unfortunately this is not really a safe option for someone of your age, due to the increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots and strokes.
However it is safe for someone of your age to use oestrogen cream or pessaries in the genital area which can make sex more enjoyable. Many older couples have problems with sex (erectile dysfunction is very common in older men) and the best way of maintaining a loving relationship is to discuss it openly and develop other ways of showing your love and affection.
If you have a health question for Dr Rosemary please write to her in confidence at The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN or email health@express.co.uk.
Dr Rosemary’s reply will appear in this column. She regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence and that, due to the volume of letters, she cannot reply to everyone. Find out more about Dr Rosemary at drrosemaryleonard.co.uk.