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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:

Jessica’s Links For You:

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