Meet Jeanne Lefebvre, Nurse Clinician at Coral
As a licensed Nurse Clinician, Jeanne brings both clinical expertise and deep compassion to her work. She is passionate about women’s health from a global perspective, with a particular interest in sexual health and well-being.
Jeanne holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and completed graduate studies in International Health at the University of Sherbrooke, along with a certificate in Sexual Health from Laval University. She has also pursued advanced training in menopause care, contraception, and hormonal therapy. Whenever she can, Jeanne shares her knowledge through workshops and conferences, helping to raise awareness and celebrate the beauty of women’s health. Guided by a strong commitment to supporting women at every stage of life, Jeanne has worked in many departments including postpartum care—always seeking out spaces where she can bring her holistic, empathetic approach to support women.
As a Nurse Clinician at Coral, Jeanne supports members with personalized education, realistic goal-setting, and ongoing follow-ups as they manage their peri/menopause symptoms and work on optimizing their health. By integrating the physical, emotional, and relational aspects of health, she creates a space where women feel seen, heard, and supported.
According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, sexual health concerns are common during midlife: 37% of Canadian women report low libido, 30% experience vaginal dryness, itching, or burning, and 22% struggle with sexual arousal. In this Q&A, Jeanne shares insights on sexual health changes during perimenopause and menopause, along with practical tips to help women feel more confident and connected to their sexuality.
Q1: What are the most common reasons women experience changes in sexual health and libido during perimenopause and menopause?
Many of these changes stem from hormonal shifts, particularly the drop in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause. Lower estrogen levels can lead to decreased vaginal lubrication, thinning of vaginal tissues, and increased dryness or discomfort during sex—factors that can affect libido. While estrogen is a major player, shifting levels of testosterone and progesterone can also affect desire and mood. Add to that the stress of caregiving, disrupted sleep, or relationship changes, and it’s no wonder so many women feel disconnected from their sexual selves. All of these physical symptoms can impact not only sexual activity but also desire or libido.
Sexual desire is complex, shaped by multiple factors: biological, emotional, sociocultural, relational, and moral.
When multiple factors come into play at once, which often happens during midlife, it can become especially challenging to stay sexually active or even want to. Let me walk you through these factors.
- Biological: Physical factors like pain, infections, hormonal fluctuations, or side effects of medications can reduce libido and make intimacy uncomfortable.
- Emotional: Mental health plays a significant role. Anxiety, depression, stress, past trauma, or negative sexual experiences can all dampen desire.
- Sociocultural: Cultural norms, media portrayals, and societal expectations often define what’s “normal” when it comes to sex. Add to that the demands of work and caregiving, and many women find they’re left with little time or energy for intimacy.
- Relational: A fulfilling relationship supports desire. But when there’s conflict, disconnection, mismatched libidos, or difficulty communicating about needs, desire may fade.
- Moral: Personal values, beliefs, and upbringing can shape how you view sex and influence your comfort with intimacy.
While hormonal changes are a natural part of aging, that doesn’t mean you just have to live with the symptoms. There are so many solutions that can help you feel better and increase your desire. If your symptoms are bothering you, it’s important to bring them up with a healthcare professional.
Q2: What options are available for improving sexual comfort and desire?
One effective option is bioidentical hormone therapy, especially in the form of estrogen. It can be particularly helpful for vaginal symptoms when used locally through gels, capsules, or creams. These may also improve urinary symptoms.
In some cases, a low dose of testosterone or DHEA can also help with energy levels and sexual desire, especially if a woman is experiencing low testosterone levels or pain during intercourse.
On the non-hormonal side, lubricants can be very helpful, just be mindful of which type you use if you’re also using condoms. Water-based or silicone lube are always safe to use with any kind of condom. Be conscious of anything that has oil in it, like lotion, vaseline, or oil-based lubes. Oil can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms and make them break.
Q3: What lifestyle habits or personal practices can meaningfully support sexual well-being during menopause? Are there any first steps I can take today?
Your overall health—your energy, stress levels, and even your relationship quality—can all impact libido. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, enough sleep, and staying hydrated are all good practices to prioritize. Open communication with yourself and your partner is just as important too. Sometimes people blame themselves or their partner when desire changes, but in reality, libido is connected to many factors. When we take care of our lifestyle and feel better overall, it naturally creates more space for sexual desire to return.
Apart from this, another simple first step can be intentional reflection on your past and current sex life, to see what doesn’t feel right anymore and make more room for the new desires, limits and needs. It’s completely normal for sexuality and libido to shift throughout life; these changes are a natural, healthy part of being human.
I like for my patients to reflect and ask themselves a series of questions to understand what’s changed and make room for the new desires they have:
- Which factors of my sexuality need the most attention right now?
- What inhibits my desire, and what fuels it in my life right now?
- Do I feel like sexuality is a priority to me right now? If so, why?
- What is one small thing I could do today to feel closer to my partner?
- When I think about my sexual life: What did I enjoy in the past? What’s changed? What would I like more of now?
This reflection can help you see what’s no longer serving you, what aspects of your sexuality feel most important now, and where to focus your energy, whether it’s physical comfort, emotional connection, or relationship dynamics. From here, you will become more aware of your sexual wellbeing and can start identifying key areas you want to change or focus on.
Q4: What changes when women prioritize their sexual health, and what advice would you give to someone feeling disconnected from their sense of desire?
When women invest in their sexual health, they often feel more confident, more energetic, and more connected to their bodies. It can also, of course, improve sexual intimacy, if that’s important to them.
That said, it’s important to remember that sexual intimacy isn’t a priority for everyone, and that’s okay too. Many women are dealing with so many symptoms that this may not be top of mind. But for those who do want to work on it, addressing it can have a really positive impact on their overall well-being.
In terms of advice for someone feeling disconnected to their sexual self, I’d say try to not pressure yourself. Forcing sexual activity when you’re not feeling it can make things worse and lead to avoidance. Instead, try gentle ways to reconnect with your body, like giving yourself a massage, spending time looking at yourself in the mirror, and learning to feel comfortable with your body again. If you’re ready, take the next step and explore toys intended for sexual pleasure. They can help you get to know your body better without pressure, spark curiosity, and help you learn what feels good in your evolving body.
Doing activities you love can also bring more energy and joy into your life, which helps create space for desire. If you have a partner, try non-sexual touch like cuddling or shared massages. Intimacy doesn’t have to start with sex, it can be rebuilt through small, nurturing connections.
Q5: What are some ways couples can rebuild intimacy that isn’t necessarily sexual, if women are not ready?
Non-sexual physical touch and intimacy is really important. Sometimes, the partner with lower libido avoids any touch at all because they’re afraid it will lead to sex. That can create distance.
To rebuild closeness, create moments of intimacy that are explicitly not sexual: like hugging, hand-holding, taking a shower together, or having coffee in the morning. Make it clear that the intention is simply connection, not a lead-in to sex.
Keep in mind that comfort and the desire to communicate may ebb and flow during midlife. Give each other grace because you’re both navigating something new for the first time.
Q6: What outdated beliefs deserve to be challenged—and how can we release the shame so many women carry?
A big myth is that you can’t have a satisfying sex life after menopause; your sexual life is over. That’s simply not true. Menopause can actually be a time to explore your sexuality in new ways, whether alone or with a partner. It is a great opportunity to redefine what feels good and find what truly works for you now.
Another myth is that aging women are less desirable than younger women. Society tends to link youth with beauty and sexuality, but beauty and desirability cannot be limited to a specific age. You can still feel sexy and confident in your body, even if it has changed.
Similarly, there’s so much pressure from society to have a “perfect” sex life; it should always be exciting, adventurous, and highly active. That creates a lot of shame when reality doesn’t match that standard. Many women say they hear friends talk about their amazing sex lives and feel like they can’t speak up about their own struggles. But sexual desire naturally changes throughout life. It’s fluid. Just because you’re in a difficult phase now doesn’t mean it will stay that way.
I would say, remember that desire comes and goes and it’s okay if it looks different at different times. What matters most is how you feel right now and identifying what you want to work on.
Q7: What helps make these vulnerable conversations easier and more effective?
It can feel intimidating to talk about this topic, whether with a partner or a healthcare professional.
One strategy for speaking to a healthcare professional is to reflect beforehand: write down your symptoms, concerns, or questions. That way, you go into the conversation feeling more prepared, confident, and knowledgeable. Don’t hesitate to say that you are nervous or uncomfortable if it is a subject that you don’t feel comfortable talking about. It can help bring the tension down a little.
When speaking with a partner, it can help to ask them first, “When would be a good time for us to talk?” This gives both individuals time to prepare and ensures the conversation happens when you’re both open and ready to listen. If emotions are running high, waiting for the right moment can make the conversation more productive. You want to make sure you’re avoiding misunderstandings and creating an environment for each person to understand and respect the other’s perspective. Communication issues can lead to decreased intimacy.
It’s also important to recognize that this can be a challenging experience for both partners. The partner who still wants sex might feel frustrated or rejected, and the one with lower libido might feel pressured or guilty.
If emotions feel too heavy or you’re not making progress on your own, it’s okay to seek support from a professional, either individually or as a couple. A therapist or sexual health expert can help facilitate the conversation and guide both partners toward a solution that works for them.
Here is an awesome video on this very topic.
Top tips for supporting sexual health during peri/menopause:
- Changes in libido during menopause are completely normal and influenced by hormones, emotions, relationships, and life stress, not just biology.
- There are safe, effective, and personalized options to improve sexual comfort and desire, and you don’t have to just live with it.
- Sexual well-being isn’t just about sex; it’s about energy, self-connection, emotional safety, and daily habits that support desire.
- Midlife is not the end of your sexuality. It’s an opportunity to redefine it on your own terms.
- Advocating for your sexual health with your partner or provider is a powerful act of self-respect and healing.
Sexuality in midlife isn’t about ‘getting back to how things used to be’: it’s about discovering what works for you now: what feels good, what fosters connection, and what supports your well-being. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are tips like those Jeanne shared today, professional support, and a community of women going through similar experiences. Don’t let discomfort or embarrassment keep you from advocating for your health. You deserve to feel your best.
If you’re unsure about which treatment option is the best for you, speak with a healthcare provider, sex therapist, or a health coach at Coral who can support both the physical and emotional aspects of sexual health. At Coral, we can help you navigate these changes with confidence and provide you the tools to feel in control again.
Discover more on vaginal dryness, a common symptom of peri/menopause and treatment options, here.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine what is best for your individual health needs.
References:
- Conn A, Hodges KR. Trouble de l’intérêt/de l’excitation sexuels. Manuels Merck Pour Le Grand Public. July 3, 2023. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/accueil/probl%C3%A8mes-de-sant%C3%A9-de-la-femme/fonction-sexuelle-et-troubles-de-la-fonction-sexuelle-chez-la-femme/trouble-de-l-int%C3%A9r%C3%AAt-de-l-excitation-sexuels
- Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (Québec). Globalité de la sexualité – SEXOclic – Professionnels de la santé – MSSS. Gouv.qc.ca. Published 2024. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/jeunesse/sexoclic/globalite-sexualite/
- Planned Parenthood. How do you use lube with condoms? PlannedParenthood.org. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/how-do-you-use-lube-with-condoms
- The Menopause Society. Sexual Health | The Menopause Society. Menopause.org. August 19, 2024. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health
- The Silence and the Stigma: Menopause in Canada. https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MFC_The-Silence-and-the-Stigma_Menopause-in-Canada_Oct22_v2.pdf
- Canadian Urological Association. Santé urologique Syndrome génito-urinaire de la ménopause (SGUM). Published 2024. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.cua.org/system/files/PIB/PIB61_fr_web2024.pdf
Sarrel PM. Effects of hormone replacement therapy on sexual psychophysiology and behavior in postmenopause. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000;9(suppl 1):25-32. doi:10.1089/152460900318830 - World Health Organization. Redefining sexual health for benefits throughout life. WHO.int. February 11, 2022. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.who.int/news/item/11-02-2022-redefining-sexual-health-for-benefits-throughout-life
