Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Can Hormonal Changes Impact Intimacy Between Partners? Expert Explains

February 12 being the <span>Sexual Health</span> Awareness Day, this February, Health and Me are speaking to experts who are urging women to look beyond myths and recognize that fluctuating desire is often biological, not psychological. According to Dr Payal Narang, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital Lullanagar, Pune, <span>hormonal</span> shifts can quietly influence emotional health, confidence, and relationships.

“Sex drive is associated with hormones, emotions, physical health and life stage,” she says. “Many women experience changes in their desire for intimacy but feel confused or worried and suffer in silence.”

She explains that conditions such as PMS, PCOS, thyroid disorders and perimenopause commonly alter libido, mood and energy levels. Yet conversations around sexual health remain limited because of stigma.

“Women need to understand these changes are medical, common and manageable,” Dr Narang adds. “It is time to focus on sexual health and make informed choices.”

<h2>PMS: When Emotions And Discomfort Reduce Desire</h2>

Premenstrual syndrome affects many women in the days before menstruation. Hormonal shifts trigger mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue.

“These symptoms may lower interest in intimacy,” says Dr Narang. “For some women, emotional sensitivity or body discomfort plays a bigger role than hormones alone.”

She explains that recognizing patterns helps couples understand each other better and prevents unnecessary relationship stress.

<h2>PCOS: Confidence, Body Image And Libido</h2>

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most common hormonal conditions in reproductive-age women. Elevated androgen levels can cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain and unwanted hair growth.

“These changes may affect body image and self-esteem and lead to reduced sexual desire,” Dr Narang notes.

However, improvement is possible. “Managing PCOS with lifestyle changes, medical treatment and emotional support can improve hormone balance and confidence, which in turn improves sexual desire.”

<h2>Thyroid Disorders: The Energy Connection</h2>

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy levels, making it closely linked to libido.

“Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions can take a toll on sex drive,” she explains. “Low thyroid levels often cause tiredness, low mood, weight gain and reduced interest in intimacy.”

The encouraging part is recovery is achievable. “Thyroid imbalance is treatable, and once hormone levels are controlled, energy and sexual desire also improve. Women should not ignore thyroid problems.”

<h2>Perimenopause: Changing Hormones, Changing Needs</h2>

Perimenopause, the transition before menopause, brings declining estrogen levels and symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular cycles, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness.

“These symptoms can lead to intimacy problems,” Dr Narang says. “Open communication can help women feel more comfortable and connected. Seek timely help from an expert.”

She emphasizes that awareness prevents distress and protects emotional closeness.

<h2>Supporting Hormonal Balance And Intimacy</h2>

Dr Narang recommends simple daily habits to improve hormonal health:

<ul><li>Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lentils</li><li>Maintain healthy weight and exercise regularly</li><li>Practice yoga and meditation to manage stress</li><li>Sleep around eight hours daily</li><li>Avoid smoking and alcohol</li><li>Communicate openly with partner and doctor</li></ul>

“With the right support, awareness and medical care, women can maintain healthy intimacy and overall well-being at every stage of life,” she concludes.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

sexual health

hormonal

intimacy and sexual health

womens health

hormonal changes

health and wellness

We Fact Checked The Ayurveda Claim Of Papaya Lowering Your Cholesterol, Details Inside

India AI Summit: Union Health Minister Nadda Launches SAHI And BODH Initiatives To Boost AI In Healthcare

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

February 12 being the Sexual Health Awareness Day, this February, Health and Me are speaking to experts who are urging women to look beyond myths and recognize that fluctuating desire is often biological, not psychological. According to Dr Payal Narang, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital Lullanagar, Pune, hormonal shifts can quietly influence emotional health, confidence, and relationships.“Sex drive is associated with hormones, emotions, physical health and life stage,” she says. “Many women experience changes in their desire for intimacy but feel confused or worried and suffer in silence.”She explains that conditions such as PMS, PCOS, thyroid disorders and perimenopause commonly alter libido, mood and energy levels. Yet conversations around sexual health remain limited because of stigma.“Women need to understand these changes are medical, common and manageable,” Dr Narang adds. “It is time to focus on sexual health and make informed choices.”PMS: When Emotions And Discomfort Reduce DesirePremenstrual syndrome affects many women in the days before menstruation. Hormonal shifts trigger mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue.“These symptoms may lower interest in intimacy,” says Dr Narang. “For some women, emotional sensitivity or body discomfort plays a bigger role than hormones alone.”She explains that recognizing patterns helps couples understand each other better and prevents unnecessary relationship stress.PCOS: Confidence, Body Image And LibidoPolycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most common hormonal conditions in reproductive-age women. Elevated androgen levels can cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain and unwanted hair growth.“These changes may affect body image and self-esteem and lead to reduced sexual desire,” Dr Narang notes.However, improvement is possible. “Managing PCOS with lifestyle changes, medical treatment and emotional support can improve hormone balance and confidence, which in turn improves sexual desire.”Thyroid Disorders: The Energy ConnectionThe thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy levels, making it closely linked to libido.“Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions can take a toll on sex drive,” she explains. “Low thyroid levels often cause tiredness, low mood, weight gain and reduced interest in intimacy.”The encouraging part is recovery is achievable. “Thyroid imbalance is treatable, and once hormone levels are controlled, energy and sexual desire also improve. Women should not ignore thyroid problems.”Perimenopause: Changing Hormones, Changing NeedsPerimenopause, the transition before menopause, brings declining estrogen levels and symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular cycles, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness.“These symptoms can lead to intimacy problems,” Dr Narang says. “Open communication can help women feel more comfortable and connected. Seek timely help from an expert.”She emphasizes that awareness prevents distress and protects emotional closeness.Supporting Hormonal Balance And IntimacyDr Narang recommends simple daily habits to improve hormonal health:Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lentilsMaintain healthy weight and exercise regularlyPractice yoga and meditation to manage stressSleep around eight hours dailyAvoid smoking and alcoholCommunicate openly with partner and doctor“With the right support, awareness and medical care, women can maintain healthy intimacy and overall well-being at every stage of life,” she concludes.