In perimenopause, the web of bio-psycho-social factors that determine our libido can face challenges from all sides. Our hormone levels are fluctuating like crazy, affecting our moods and sleep, which directly affects desire; we might be experiencing the start of vaginal/vulval dryness and soreness (though not everyone experiences this); we may buy into the belief we are becoming 'old and past it'; we may have super-stressful-busy lives caring for families and working and caring for parents and partners themselves concerned with midlife changes...
It is entirely NORMAL for libido to dip at this age. Studies show mid 40s to early 60s is the age when around a third of women experience lowered desire AND stress about this (more women experience lowered desire but aren't bothered about it, which is fine of course!).
If it matters to you to keep on having a sex life, pay attention to your body's needs and seek medical support if appropriate for you; your lifestyle, making sure you get rest and reduce stress; and your mindset around sex and midlife, looking for inspiration and evidence we CAN keep having great sex through our 40s, 50s and beyond.
Libido/desire ebbs and flows through life and for many of us perimenopause may bring an ebb, but there is definitely a flow to look forward to!
Feel free to reach out to me here on Sensuali if you'd like support.