Low libido - Vital Hormones Clinic

What is low libido?

Low libido, also known as decreased sex drive or inhibited sexual desire, refers to a deficiency in interest in or desire for sexual activity. Some key points about low libido:

• Common causes include aging, stress, depression, poor body image, relationship conflict, fatigue, hormonal changes (like menopause), health conditions, and medications.
• It can affect both men and women, although women tend to experience it more often.

Symptoms of Low Libido

People with low libido often experience diminished arousal even when involved in sexual acts. Main signs and symptoms include:

• Little to no desire to initiate or be responsive to sexual activity.
• Decreased or no sexual thoughts, fantasies, or attraction to a partner.
• Inadequate physical arousal, including vaginal lubrication/swelling or erectile dysfunction.
• Difficulty achieving orgasm despite sufficient sexual stimulation.
• Feelings of sexual frustration or inadequacy.
• Indifference towards intimacy and relationship bonding through sex.

Severe or persistent low libido may cause clinically significant personal distress or relationship problems if left untreated.

Low testosterone in men is a common hormonal culprit, in addition to influencing energy, muscle mass, mood, and more.

In perimenopausal and menopausal women, declining estrogen levels disrupt sexual arousal and responsiveness.

Medical issues affecting key glands like the thyroid, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands disrupt overall hormonal balance, frequently harming libido.

Even birth control side effects can diminish testosterone availability.