What is decreased libido?
Decreased libido, or lowered sex drive, refers to a reduction in desire for sexual activity. Both men and women can experience low libido for a variety of reasons, including:
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in testosterone and estrogen levels can negatively impact libido. Hormone imbalances are a common culprit, especially for women during menopause or post-pregnancy. The hormone experts at Optimal Health Hormone Clinic can provide advanced hormone testing and custom treatment plans to help restore healthy hormone levels and rekindle your sex drive.
- Medications - Many prescription drugs list low libido as a side effect, like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and birth control pills.
- Chronic health problems - Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and fibromyalgia are linked to decreased sex drive. Managing the illness can help improve libido.
- Sleep problems - Not getting enough sleep or having sleep disorders like sleep apnea result in fatigue and lower energy for sex.
- Stress and depression - High stress levels elevate cortisol production, which can suppress libido-boosting testosterone. Additionally, mental health issues like anxiety and depression commonly affect sex drive. Seeking treatment for mental health alongside medications or talk therapy can improve low libido.
- Relationship issues - Interpersonal problems, poor communication, lack of connection with your partner, or trust issues may cause you to avoid intimacy and sexual encounters. Couples counseling often helps increase emotional and physical intimacy.
Signs of decreased libido in men and women include:
- Little interest in sex
- Never/rarely initiating sex
- Seeming distracted or bored during sex
- Feeling stressed or anxious about sex
- Experiencing pain, discomfort, or lack of arousal during sex
If your lowered libido persists for an extended time and causes personal distress, consult your doctor or a endocrinologist like the specialists at Optimal Health Hormone Clinic. They can pinpoint potential causes through blood tests and recommend individualized treatment options to help you regain a healthy, satisfying sex life. Life is too short to miss out on physical intimacy with your loved one.