What is low libido?
Low libido, or low sex drive, refers to a decreased interest in sexual activity. It can affect both men and women, and it can have physical or psychological causes. Some key things to know about low libido:
- Definition: Low libido describes a decrease in desire for or interest in sexual activity. It may be a lack of interest in sex altogether, or just a reduced desire for sex compared to previous levels of sexual activity or desire.
- Prevalence: Low libido is very common, affecting up to one third of adult women and men at some point in their lives. It becomes more common with age, but it can occur at any age.
- Causes: There are many potential causes of low libido, including:
- Hormonal changes or imbalances, such as low testosterone in men and low estrogen in women
- Medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety
- Medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure drugs and birth control pills
- Fatigue or stress
- Relationship problems
- Prior negative sexual experiences
- Symptoms: In addition to lack of interest in sex, symptoms of low libido can include:
- Decreased sexual thoughts or fantasies
- Lack of enjoyment from sex
- Trouble getting aroused
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Feeling stressed about sexual performance
- Treatments: Low libido often responds well to treatment methods like:
- Hormone therapy, such as testosterone replacement for men or DHEA supplements for women
- Switching medications if they are contributing to low libido
- Counseling or sex therapy to address relationship issues
- Lifestyle changes like improved diet, exercise, better sleep and stress reduction
If low libido is significantly impacting your life or relationship, see your doctor. They can check for any underlying medical issues and refer you to specialists like endocrinologists, psychiatrists or sex therapists if needed.
At Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, we specialize in treating hormonal imbalances that can affect libido and sexual health. We provide customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help restore optimal hormone levels and improve low libido and sexual function. Our caring medical team includes endocrinologists, nutritionists and counselors to address all aspects of low libido. Contact us today for a consultation! We're here to help you reclaim your sexual vitality.