The Complexities of Desire: Understanding Libido in Women Part II

Season 2 Episode 3

Summary

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Hot Flash Diaries! In this episode, host Jessica Caceres continues her conversation with Dr. Maureen Slattery, a board-certified OBGYN with over 20 years of experience, certified menopause practitioner, sex educator, and certified sexuality counselor from Rochester, New York.

What You'll Learn:

How to reframe your mindset about desire and intimacy in midlife
Why libido changes are multifactorial (it's not just about testosterone!)
Practical communication strategies for talking with your partner about sexual health
The importance of managing stress, sleep, and nervous system regulation
Creative ways to maintain intimacy when desire is low
When to consider sex therapy vs. regular counseling
The role of hormones, moisturizers, and other physical solutions
Why scheduling intimacy isn't unsexy—it's strategic!

Key Takeaways: ✨ Menopause is a transformation, not something happening TO you ✨ Small changes can make a big difference (variety is the spice of life!) ✨ Normalize what you're experiencing and communicate openly ✨ Protect your time and set boundaries to reduce stress ✨ Your fully developed frontal lobe is your superpower in midlife

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Libido and Midlife Changes
01:55 Mindset Shifts in Sexual Desire
04:56 Navigating Relationships and Intimacy
07:42 The Role of Hormones in Sexual Health
10:49 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care
13:38 Communication Strategies for Couples
16:30 Scheduling Intimacy and Building Anticipation
25:04 The Importance of Timing in Conversations
26:17 Maintaining Intimacy in Low-Desire Situations
29:21 Exploring New Ways to Enhance Sexual Experience
32:42 Recognizing When to Seek Professional Help
36:00 Understanding the Role of Mental Health in Sexuality
37:43 First Steps for Women Addressing Low Sex Drive
42:28 Empowering Women with Knowledge and Resources

Recommended Reading:

"Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski
"She Comes First" by Ian Kerner
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
Books by Esther Perel on relationships and intimacy

Helpful Resources:

The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS): menopause.org
Canadian Menopause Society
International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

Interested in connecting with Dr. Slattery? https://www.drmaureenslattery.com/

Jessica’s Links For You:

Website: https://www.bonitamedicalaesthetics.com/podcast
Instagram: @thehotflash.diaries & @youare.bonita
• Facebook • Tiktok •
Youtube: @thehotflashdiariespodcast

Published on 4 weeks ago

Podcast Episode Details

The Complexities of Desire: Understanding Libido in Women Part II