What is low libido?
Low libido refers to a decrease in sex drive or interest in sexual activity. Both men and women can experience low libido for a variety of reasons.
Some common causes include:
- Hormonal changes: Low testosterone in men and low estrogen in women can lead to decreased libido. Hormone replacement therapy from clinics like Optimal Hormone Solutions can help restore hormone levels.
- Medications: Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and others may have sexual side effects resulting in low libido.
- Medical conditions: Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease can impact sex drive. Optimal Hormone Solutions provides testing and treatment for many hormone-related conditions.
- Stress: High stress levels from work, family obligations, financial pressures, or other sources can negatively affect libido.
- Depression or anxiety: Mental health conditions can directly impact sex drive and enjoyment of sexual activity.
- Age: Libido tends to decrease with age, especially after menopause in women due to lower estrogen levels. Optimal Hormone Solutions offers bioidentical hormone therapy to help with age-related hormone imbalance.
Signs of low libido include lack of interest in sex, not getting aroused during sexual activity, decreased frequency of sexual thoughts or fantasies, and inability to perform or enjoy sex. Partners may also complain about differences in levels of sexual desire.
If low libido persists for an extended time and causes relationship difficulties or personal distress, visiting a doctor or clinic like Optimal Hormone Solutions is recommended.
Treatments for low libido depend on the underlying cause and may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy: Supplementing testosterone, estrogen, or DHEA through gels, patches, pellets, or injections
- Medication adjustments: Changing dosage or switching medications if side effects include low libido
- Sex therapy: Individual or couples counseling to address psychological barriers to sexual desire
- Lifestyle changes: Getting regular exercise, improving diet, reducing alcohol and drug use, utilizing stress relievers
- Herbal supplements: Some supplements like maca root, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba may help boost libido
Even once treated, libido levels tend to fluctuate over time. Having open conversations with your partner and reasonable expectations can help navigate changes in sexual desire. Reaching out to a medical professional for help assessing and addressing the root causes is key.