Dear Jacqui:
Is it true that high blood pressure can diminish a woman's sexual drive and what is the way to bring high blood pressure down?
Michelle.

Dear Michelle:
It's a yes to your first question. There is new evidence recently reported in the American Journal of Hypertension that conditions known to cause sexual dysfunction in men, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, also cause problems for women. In this new study of pre-menopausal women, the group with high blood pressure more often reported decrease in vaginal lubrication, less frequent orgasm and more frequent pain associated with intercourse than women with normal blood pressure.

However, there are a various causes affecting sexual dysfunction in women and men. Most common in pre-menopausal and menopausal women is the natural depletion of estrogen resulting in vaginal dryness which is easily remedied with a vaginal moisturizer.

About your second question, are there ways to bring high blood pressure down? Absolutely, a number of lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Top of the list, if you are a smoker it's important to stop the habit. Nowadays there are multiple programs that help you do so.

Secondly, put exercise on your daily schedule. Half and hour of fast walking not only burns calories but releases seratonin which increase your sense of well being and your sexual desire.

Finally avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol such as red meats, fried foods, high fat dairy products and remember that sweet treats - sugar - turns into fats in your body.

Five to eight portions of fruits, veggies and fiber each day can help you greatly to get those dangerous blood pressure levels down. There are also a number of medications that can assist you. It is best to check with your physician to help decide if medication is warranted.

Jacqui

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