Has any experienced loss of libido after hysterectomy?

[SarahLouise12]

Hi I wanted to reach out and ask for clarity on my loss of libido. I had a full hysterectomy around 3 years ago, removed ovaries and at the same time I was prescribed citalopram and Tibilone. However since then my libido dramatically changed to not being interested in sex. I had to stop the Tibilone as it made my endo symptoms flare up so I have the Evorel patch 50. I read that SSRI like citalopram affects libido. So for me I don’t know if it’s the loss of ovaries or the citalopram? I am only on 10 mg of citalopram now and am thinking of coming off it to see if my libido improves, I just wanted to check if anyone else has experienced this ? I have only been married 4 years and it’s putting a bit of a strain on my marriage, plus I miss being a sexual being ! It’s like I went through all of the hysterectomy, which has given me more pain free days a month, but I don’t feel very feminine now and am grieving for that loss 😐

[Lindle]

Hopefully others can share on the libido issue but can I ask how old you are and what the hysterectomy was for? Note that if you have a history of endo you shouldn't be on an oestrogen only patch - you should be on progesterone too.

[SarahLouise12 in reply to Lindle]

Hi I am 51 and it was for endometriosis- I was given Tibilone but that flared up my pain so changed over to the estrogen patch ENVO 50

[Lindle in reply to SarahLouise12]

What stage endo were you and was it all excised at the same time?

[SarahLouise12 in reply to Lindle]

Hi stage 4 - they left a small bit in my pelvis

[Lindle in reply to SarahLouise12]

I should bear in mind that age 51 is the average age of natural menopause so you have reached the equivalent by a different route. Reduced libido is a well recognised symptom either way due to loss of ovarian oestrogen and something you'd probably be addressing anyway. I'd remember also that the recommendation is generally not to take HRT after that age and, as said before, you should be on combined especially with a history of severe endo since oestradiol only is associated with recurrence/malignancy.

[EmaMadani]

hello,one of the side effects of Citalopram is ' loss of libido' please discuss that with your Doctor