Decreased libido - Renew Hormone Clinic

What is decreased libido?

Decreased libido, or low sex drive, refers to a lower interest in sexual activity than is considered average. Both physiological and psychological factors can contribute to decreased libido. It's important to understand the potential causes to find solutions.

Common causes include:

• Hormonal changes, especially low testosterone levels in both men and women. Testosterone drives sexual desire, so declining levels due to aging, medical conditions, or medications can lower libido.
• Medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease. Chronic illness can understandably sap one's energy and mood for sex.
• Prescription medications, namely antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and anticonvulsants. The mechanisms differ, but many prescriptions list decreased libido as a common side effect.
• Fatigue and lack of sleep. Being run down physically or sleep deprived for long periods can diminish the sex drive. Good self-care habits provide more energy for sexual intimacy.
• Emotional factors like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma history, and more psych issues. Mental health profoundly impacts sexuality, from biological changes to the inability to be present.
• Low self-esteem and body image issues. Struggles with self-confidence, poor body image, dysmorphia, shame, or inadequacy can create barriers to desiring or enjoying sex.

Signs of decreased libido include:

• Rarely or never desiring sexual intimacy
• Lack of sexual thoughts, fantasies, urges
• Little initiation or responsiveness to a partner's advances
• Irritation or disinterest around sex
• Trouble becoming or staying aroused

The specific signs and severity vary between individuals. For some, a slightly lagging libido causes minor frustration. For others, severely diminished desire creates relationship conflicts and personal distress.

Seeking solutions:

If low libido interferes with wellbeing and relationships, seeking solutions could help resolve it or uncover underlying issues. Talking to one's doctor is wise, as they can check hormone levels, screen for illnesses, adjust medications, and provide referrals. For some, consulting a sex therapist proves insightful. And counselors help address contributing mental health and relationship components.

There are also clinically tested bioidentical hormone therapies to balance testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. These safely replicate the body's natural hormones. When hormonal imbalance is the culprit, such treatment often increase libido along with overall vitality.

In summary, decreased libido has myriad causes, manifestations, and solutions. Understanding the origins informs the options to regain interest in passion and intimacy.