Decreased libido, also known as low sex drive, refers to a decrease in desire for sexual activity. There are many potential causes of low libido, including:
- Hormonal changes: Low testosterone levels in men and low estrogen and progesterone levels in women can lead to decreased libido. Hormonal changes due to menopause, postpartum recovery, or oral contraceptives are common culprits.
- Medical conditions: Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety can negatively impact sex drive.
- Medications: Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and illicit drug use are known to affect libido. Always check with your doctor if you think a prescription is lowering your sex drive.
- Stress: High stress levels place the body in fight-or-flight mode, directing blood away from the genitals and toward muscles and vital organs. This can diminish sexual arousal.
- Poor body image: Feeling unattractive or self-conscious about appearance can lead to decreased interest in sex. Working on self-esteem and communication with your partner can help.
- Relationship issues: Lack of emotional intimacy, anger, or resentment toward a partner can manifest as low libido. Couples counseling may be beneficial.
- Fatigue: Exhaustion from work, family demands, or health problems can sap energy for sex. Getting adequate rest and reducing obligations can help.
- Age: Sex drive naturally declines with age, typically after the mid-30s or 40s. Staying fit and supplementing with libido-boosting vitamins or herbs like zinc, fenugreek, or maca can offset this drop.
If low libido is concerning you, have an open conversation with your doctor. They can check hormone levels, rule out any underlying conditions, and work with you to identify lifestyle changes or treatments to rekindle your passion. Counseling can also help uncover relationship, self-esteem or mental health factors contributing to the problem.
At Rejuvenate Health Center, we specialize in restoring healthy hormonal balance to reignite libido and intimacy. With customized bioidentical hormone therapy, nutritional support, and holistic care, our experts can get to the root cause and help you reconnect with your sensuality.