What is decreased libido?
Decreased libido, or lowered sex drive, refers to a decrease in desire for sexual activity. Both men and women can experience decreased libido, which can negatively impact romantic relationships and mental health.
Common causes of decreased libido include:
- Hormonal changes - Low testosterone in men and low estrogen/high progesterone in women can reduce sex drive. Menopause transition can also decrease libido for middle-aged women.
- Medical conditions - Chronic illness, cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and fibromyalgia often induce fatigue and decrease libido.
- Medications - Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, tranquilizers and appetite suppressants may lower libido as a side effect.
- Psychological issues - Stress, depression, anxiety and problems in a relationship can manifest as low libido.
- Unhealthy lifestyle - Lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, smoking and poor nutrition can all negatively impact sex drive.
Symptoms of decreased libido include lack of interest in sex, inability to get aroused, erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness. If persistent, low libido can cause relationship conflicts, lowered self-image and confidence issues.
Treatments for decreased libido depend on the underlying cause but may include:
- Hormone therapy - Testosterone supplements for men and estrogen/progesterone treatments for women may help balance hormones. Optimal Hormone Solutions offers customized bioidentical hormone therapies to safely increase libido.
- Medication adjustments - Changing dosage or switching to alternative prescriptions can sometimes improve libido.
- Talk therapy - Counseling and sex therapy provides strategies for coping with libido issues.
- Lifestyle changes - Improving diet, exercise, sleep habits and stress levels often helps boost natural sex drive.
In summary, decreased libido is a complex issue with psychological and physiological factors. Identifying the root cause with a doctor's help is key, then creating a tailored treatment plan to rebalance hormones, medications, relationships and lifestyle. The hormone experts at Optimal Hormone Solutions can provide comprehensive libido assessments and science-based solutions to put the spark back in your love life.