Ep 13. The Intersection of Sexual Intimacy and Hormonal Health with Anne Larsen

In our latest episode of "Everyday Epigenetics – Raw. Real. Relatable," host Susan and expert guest Anne delve into the multifaceted world of desire, intimacy, and relationships. They explore the pivotal roles of hormones, psychological factors, and open communication in fostering deeper connections.

In this episode Anne breaks down the different HealthTypes based on their epigenetics and discusses how these profiles influence desire and intimacy. She highlights that individuals with lower steroidal profiles may have a more intellectual, rather than primal, approach to sexual connection. In contrast, those driven by steroidal hormones may exhibit more dominance and passion. The conversation emphasizes understanding these differences to build desire and intimacy through communication and quality connections.

Connecting with Our Desires
Susan emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and being in touch with our desires. Confidence and self-understanding are foundational to effective communication and satisfying intimate relationships. Anne elaborates on the different types of desire, highlighting the importance of knowing what drives our passion.

Communication and Trust: The Building Blocks
Anne explains the critical role that communication and trust play in fostering intimacy. Open conversations create a safe space where emotional and physical intimacy can thrive. Susan underscores the need to address sexual issues without shame and shares her experience with hormone therapy, which greatly improved her well-being.

Modern Relationship Dynamics
The trend towards seeking intimacy without commitment is a concern for Susan, who emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections. Anne advises individuals to determine what works best for them, whether monogamy or polyamory. They both stress that emotional intimacy significantly enriches our lives, irrespective of societal norms.

The Biological Factors of Desire
Anne dives into how hormones like testosterone and oxytocin influence sexual desire and bonding. She explains the fluctuations in hormone levels and their impact on intimacy. Environmental disruptors affecting testosterone levels in both men and women are also discussed, underscoring the importance of hormonal health.

Psychological Aspects of Sexual Performance
Anne highlights the profound impact of sexual performance on self-esteem and sexual identity. She encourages seeking professional help for sexual issues, noting the benefits of regular sex on hormone levels and relationship satisfaction. Susan's personal story of hormone therapy serves as inspiration for those considering similar paths.

Non-Sexual Intimacy as We Age
As people age, non-sexual intimacy becomes increasingly crucial. Anne stresses the importance of addressing physical challenges like dryness and atrophy, while Susan emphasizes nurturing one's relationship with their sensual self. Quality conversations and meaningful connections help sustain intimacy beyond physical desire.

Embrace your desires, communicate openly, and seek professional help when needed. By understanding the roles of hormones, trust, and communication, we can deepen our relationships and live more authentically.

Learn About Anne:

Position: Director of Coaching Qualifications: BSW Bachelor of Social Work, Cert
Family Therapy, Certified Health and Wellness Coach.

Anne has spent the last 40 years passionately exploring the most successful ways to create change in people’s lives. She has trained as a Mental Health Social Worker, Family Therapist, Health and Wellness Coach, Narrative Therapist and in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as courses in kinesiology, mindfulness, healing meditations, Psych K and Brain Working Recursive Therapy. Anne works collaboratively with people to develop a sense of personal agency that enables them to more fully engage with others and their environment, building a sense of self, place, purpose, belonging and general health and well-being. She has worked extensively with individuals, couples and families, using an epigenetic lens to maximize understanding, acceptance and joy in people's lives. Anne has managed the operational delivery of a large mental health counseling service and provided clinical leadership and supervision to Psychologists, Social Workers, Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Counselors and Mental Health Nurses using reflective practice in both individualand team settings Anne has been a lecturer in a number of accredited counseling courses and a guest lecture at universities as well as running many workshops. She is the co-author of a published article: ‘Group Work with Incest Survivors: A New Context’ Anne is currently Director of Coaching for ph360, educating health professionals and creating courses on relationships and behavior change. Maximizing happiness and fulfillment through understanding yourself and your relationships with the important people in your life is Anne’s passion and current focus in the world.

RESOURCES:
Visit the website: everydayepigenetics.co
Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links
SHOW NOTES: healthyawakening.co/episode13

Connect with Susan:
Contact me for your DNA testing or epigenetic coaching!
To schedule a FREE consultation, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co
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Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach

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