Ep #179: Menopause and Sex Drive with Dr. James Simon

On Menopause Reimagined, your host, Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, author, menopause researcher, educator, and co-founder of wearemorphus.com, is joined by Dr. James Simon, a board-certified OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and clinical professor at George Washington University. He’s the only physician to have served as president of both The Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and is the author of Restore Yourself: A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Her Sexual Desire and Passion for Life.TopicsSexual Health Survey Results: Nearly 1,300 women shared their experiences: 91% reported lower libido, 66% had more difficulty orgasming, and 83% had talked to someone about it, echoing what many women share online.Why Desire Drops (and Why You’re Not Alone): Why libido changes in perimenopause and menopause likely affect most women, and how relationships can help sustain, but not fully protect, sexual desire.When Sex Hurts (and Nobody Talks About It): Why he likes to see couples together and how painful sex can lead to rejection, resentment, and misunderstanding when it’s not addressed.Why Common Advice Feels So Dismissive: “Use lube,” “have a date night,” “just do it,” “try a vibrator,” or “maybe you’re depressed” are the go‑to lines many women are tired of. Dr. Simon unpacks why this misses the root causes and reminds us that desire starts in the mind, not just the body.Spontaneous vs. Responsive Desire: Many women worry that something is “wrong” when spontaneous desire fades. Dr. Simon explains why responsive desire often remains and how understanding this shift can be a huge relief.Hormone Testing & Therapy: What to actually ask for: thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, vitamin D, and B12. Plus, why testosterone matters, how levels change with age, and why access looks different across countries.Non‑Hormonal Treatment Options: A clear look at Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide): how they work, who they’re for, and what to realistically expect.It’s Not Just Hormones, It’s the Relationship: Speaking to common pain points: feeling unseen, disconnected, or “touched out.” Depression, anxiety, and relationship conflict must be addressed; no dose of hormones can fix an unhappy partnership.Real‑World Tips for Long‑Term Couples: Practical ideas women say they want: using lubricants and vibrators without shame, slowing down, adding novelty, sharing fantasies safely, and using “I” language to improve communication and intimacy.Connect With Dr. Simon: IntimMedicine.comSend us Fan Mail ======Morphus: Menopause Reimagined💊 Shop Morphus Supplements: https://wearemorphus.com/collections/all📖 Order "Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition & Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best." (Simon & Schuster, May 5, 2026)Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/4xaREJK Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4rFj7jk 📰 As seen in USA Today: https://bit.ly/43nrMwO  ✅ Fill out our surveys: https://bit.ly/4jcVuLh🦋 SUBSCRIBE to our list: https://bit.ly/3VdDA0VFOLLOW US: TikTok @andreadonsky & @wearemorphusInstagram: @wearemorphus | @andreadonskyFacebook: /wearemorphusDISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider. This podcast contains affiliate links; Morphus may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.