What is low libido?
Low libido, or low sex drive, refers to a decrease in desire for sexual activity. Both men and women can experience low libido for a variety of reasons, including underlying medical conditions, medications, stress, depression, poor body image, or problems in a relationship.
Common causes of low libido include:
- Hormonal changes - Low testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone can dampen sex drive. Hormone imbalances are common during menopause, after pregnancy, with thyroid disorders, or due to conditions like PCOS. The experts at Harmony Hormone Clinic offer comprehensive hormone testing and customized treatment plans to help restore hormonal balance.
- Medications - Many prescription drugs like antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and opioids can negatively impact libido.
- Mental health issues - Conditions like depression, anxiety, poor body image, and stress can interfere with sexual desire.
- Medical problems - Chronic illness, mobility issues, and pain may make sex difficult or undesirable.
- Relationship problems - Interpersonal conflict, poor communication, infidelity, or lack of emotional intimacy can diminish interest in sex with your partner.
Signs of low libido include:
- Rarely or never thinking about sex
- Little interest in sexual activity with a partner
- Finding sex unpleasurable
- Difficulty becoming aroused or orgasming
Treatments for improving libido include:
- Hormone therapy - Working with a specialist like the physicians at Harmony Hormone Clinic to optimize testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, cortisol, and other hormone levels.
- Switching medications if possible
- Sex therapy and counseling
- Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve body image
- Opening communication and strengthening emotional intimacy in a relationship
If you're concerned about a persistent low sex drive, especially alongside other symptoms like fatigue or mood changes, make an appointment with your doctor. They can check for any underlying conditions impacting hormones or sexual health. Consider getting comprehensive lab testing of your hormone levels through Harmony Hormone Clinic to pinpoint any imbalances contributing to low libido. With proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs, most cases of low sex drive can be improved dramatically.