Some causes for low libido are easy to deal with and aren’t serious while others require you to see your doctor and undergo treatment. Sometimes, low libido and other sexual dysfunction is a symptom of another condition. If you notice changes to your libido, it’s important that you uncover the cause to ensure it’s nothing serious.
Below are the most common reasons for low libido.
Common reasons for low libido
You’re tired
Studies have shown that lack of sleep can reduce your libido, and Americans report that they are simply too tired to have sex by the end of the day. Working on improving your sleep or scheduling sex at a time when you’re not exhausted can help your sex life.
You’re stressed
High cortisol levels as a result of stress can be a serious libido killer, as it can suppress testosterone. It’s important that you reduce stress and find healthy ways to promote relaxation to improve your libido.
Your hormones are out of whack
Hormones play a big role in sexual desire and libido. If they are not balanced, you may never be in the mood. Hormone imbalances can occur naturally or as a result of something else such as taking the pill. Speak to your doctor if you believe your poor libido is a result of hormonal imbalance.
You’re depressed
Depression affects all areas of your health, libido included. Additionally, being on antidepressants can negatively impact your libido too. Talk to your doctor about any mental illness you have.
Your thyroid is off
Your thyroid is responsible for producing and releasing hormones, and as mentioned, hormones play a large role in your libido. Your doctor can test your thyroid to ensure it is functioning properly.
You don’t exercise
Circulation is vital for proper sexual function and libido, and if you don’t exercise, your circulation is impaired. Author Dr. William Kolbe explained, “Being physically inactive, putting on extra weight, mental stress can all cause changes in our hormone production, especially the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Testosterone has many functions, among them is maintaining sexual desire, our libido. When our sex hormone production is diminished or out of balance, then generally it becomes more difficult to find the initiative for sex.”
You eat poorly
Diet plays a large role in libido too. Eating unhealthy foods can cause you to feel sluggish, low on energy, and even gain weight, which can all impact libido. Some foods can make you bloat or even make you gassy, which are things you don’t want to feel when getting busy. So, you should stick to as healthy of a diet as possible to feel your best.
You have low self-esteem
If you don’t love yourself or are unhappy with how you look, how do you expect to feel confident in bed? To love someone else, physically and emotionally, is to love yourself first.
You’re dehydrated
Lack of hydration can cause painful headaches along with vaginal dryness — both serious mood killers. So, if you needed another reason to drink your eight glasses a day, think about your libido.
You’re taking new medication
Sometimes medication side effects include reduced libido. Anti-depressants and oral contraceptives are the biggest culprits for this. If you’re concerned that your medication is to be blamed for your low libido, speak to your doctor about other alternatives.
You don’t get enough sex
Believe it or not, the more sex you have, the more sex you will want. This creates a never-ending cycle of desire. Sometimes you have to get over the hurdle and once you start, you will manage to maintain a constant libido.
Related: Male menopause, signs of low testosterone and foods that lower testosterone