February is often associated with love and romance, but for many women over 40, changes in libido, energy, and self-care habits can make this time of year feel anything but romantic.
What if we reframed Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to nurture love not just in relationships, but within ourselves? Your hormones play a major role in libido, mood, and well-being, and supporting them through intentional self-care can help you reconnect with pleasure, energy, and intimacy.
The Hormonal Shifts That Impact Libido
If your libido isn’t what it used to be, you’re not alone. As women approach peri-menopause and beyond, key hormonal changes can directly impact libido, and here are the key players:
- Estrogen Decline: Estrogen helps maintain vaginal lubrication and blood flow. As it drops, dryness and discomfort can reduce desire.
- Testosterone Levels: Though often thought of as a male hormone, testosterone plays a role in female libido. Declining levels can result in lower desire and reduced energy.
- Cortisol Overload: Chronic stress increases cortisol, which suppresses these hormones. If you’re constantly in fight-or-flight mode, your body prioritizes survival over pleasure.
- Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Imbalance: High insulin levels can interfere with hormone production, leading to energy crashes, mood swings, and low libido.
The good news? There are natural ways to support these hormones and reignite connection—both with yourself and your partner.
Self-Love & Hormone Balance: The Power of Self-Care
Self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for hormonal balance. When you take care of yourself, you naturally support your body’s ability to produce and regulate hormones effectively. Here are some hormone-friendly self-care strategies:
1. Reduce Stress to Lower Cortisol
- Prioritize restorative activities like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation to activate your parasympathetic nervous system.
- Set boundaries around work, social obligations, and energy-draining activities. Saying “no” is a form of self-care.
- Get outside! Sunlight and fresh air help regulate cortisol and improve mood.
- Know your cortisol levels with hormone testing! Low cortisol can make you feel tired and affect your hormones causing hot flashes and low libido. Stop guessing, testing and knowing what’s going on in your body is the key!
2. Nourish Your Body for Energy & Libido
- Focus on protein, healthy fats, and fiber to stabilize blood sugar and support hormone production.
- Cut back on the refined, packaged and processed carbs which can spike your insulin levels.
- Incorporate zinc and magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, nuts) to support female health and relaxation.
- Hydrate! Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased vaginal lubrication.
3. Boost Oxytocin, the “Love Hormone”
- Oxytocin is released through touch, connection, and pleasure. Hugging, kissing, even petting your cat 😻 or dog, can boost this feel-good hormone.
- Laughter, meaningful conversations, and acts of kindness can all naturally elevate oxytocin.
- Self-touch and self-pleasure are powerful ways to reconnect with your body and enhance intimacy.
Chocolate & Hormones: The Sweet Connection
This is one of my personal favorites, I love 85% dark chocolate!
There’s a reason we crave chocolate around Valentine’s Day—it’s rich in magnesium, antioxidants, and compounds that boost serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemicals. But not all chocolate is created equal! Choose dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) to get the most benefits without the blood sugar spike.
Reclaiming Love & Pleasure at Any Age
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about external validation. Whether you’re partnered or single, prioritizing self-care, hormone balance, and pleasure is an act of self-love. When you nurture your body and mind, you naturally create space for more connection, joy, and intimacy in all areas of life.
So this February, instead of focusing on unrealistic expectations of romance, focus on YOU. Your body, your hormones, and your well-being deserve to be at the center of your love story! ❤️🩷
Ready to Take Control of Your Hormones and Health?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck, and ready to uncover what’s really going on with your body, I’m here to help! Together, we’ll explore personalized solutions tailored specifically to YOU—because you deserve to feel vibrant, energized, and amazing again.
🩷 Let’s make this your month to get started on your self-love and self-care!
Schedule your free Healthy Hormone Call with me today and take the first step toward feeling at home in your body Click here to book your call
Do you want to have more energy? Here’s a free guide for you on “5 Steps for Women to Boost Energy after 40, Naturally!” Click here to download
Your best health is just a call away!