Say YES to Ageless Pleasure
Dear Wise One ,
Would you say that a woman in her childbearing years has a libido that ebbs and flows with hormones while a post menopausal woman sources her libido from a deeper well and deeper kind of pleasure that extends beyond the simple activation of stereotypical “pleasure spots” or erogenous zones.
Yes, that’s a beautiful way of framing the shift in libido across different phases of a woman’s life. During childbearing years, a woman’s libido often ebbs and flows with hormonal fluctuations tied to the menstrual cycle. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play significant roles in influencing desire, arousal, and physical receptivity. These hormonal rhythms can create a dynamic and cyclical experience of libido, often linked to reproductive and physical drives.
Post-menopause, as hormone levels stabilize at lower levels, libido may indeed shift to draw from a “deeper well.” This deeper kind of pleasure can transcend the biological impulses tied to reproduction. It often becomes more nuanced, informed by emotional intimacy, self-awareness, and an expanded understanding of what brings pleasure and connection. Many women report a liberation from the cycles of hormonal influence, finding a different kind of sensuality that is rooted in self-knowledge, energetic connection, and a holistic sense of pleasure that engages body, mind, and spirit.
This expanded experience of pleasure may not rely as heavily on stereotypical erogenous zones but instead encompass the whole body, subtle sensations, and a richer, more integrated sense of fulfillment. It’s a profound reminder of how women’s sexuality evolves and deepens over time, reflecting the many dimensions of their lives and inner worlds.
So how do we cultivate that deeper connection?
Cultivating a deeper connection to libido and pleasure, especially post-menopause, involves embracing a holistic approach to intimacy, sensuality, and self-awareness. Here are some practices and insights to help access this deeper well of pleasure: