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This is the persistent or recurrent deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. It's often referred to as having a low libido and can cause significant distress and relationship problems. The desire for sex is based on a complex interaction of many things that affect intimacy, including physical and emotional well-being, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationship status.

How Do You Treat Low Libido in Women?

Low libido in women is often a sign that your body is under strain. The goal isn’t to make yourself want sex, it’s to create the conditions where desire can return naturally. Here are some practical and tangible places to start: Protect your sleep like it’s part of your libido plan. Aim for consistent bed and wake times, and prioritise wind-down time so your nervous system actually gets the message it’s safe to rest. Protect your sleep like it’s part of your libido plan.

Low libido in women

Lower your stress load in small, real ways. Think short walks, breathwork, a phone-free ten minutes, or anything that brings you out of “on” mode. Stabilise blood sugar to support energy and mood. Build meals around protein, fibre and healthy fats, and avoid running on caffeine and chaos (tempting, but not libido-friendly). Check in on hormones if things feel noticeably different. A thorough evaluation of your symptoms and possible causes, along with an individualized treatment plan, may put you in the mood more often. Physical issuesIncreased weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, endocrine disorders and high cholesterol can affect the ability to maintain an erection or decrease sex drive. These conditions also can lead to low energy and low self-image which can cause a significant loss of libido. In many cases, this can be corrected through buy super p force jelly diet, exercise and medical management.

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PornographyThis is a big cause for many men. Pornography permeates many committed relationships and can change how men view sexuality. For some, it causes pseudo-low libido, which is when a person is still interested in sex but not in a healthy way. This often leads to unrealistic expectations of body image, confusion about what an intimate encounter is and, in some cases, negative sexual behavior. Often, people who are committed to changing their behaviors are referred to sexual addiction counseling to manage this effectively. Loss of intimacyI'm always amazed at how dedicated and committed people are to their jobs, sports teams or extracurricular activities but treat relationships like a given, self-maintaining entity. Relationships, intimacy and sexual health require work and effort. In many cases, a lack of emotional connection can lead to low libido in both partners.

Culture	Attitudes Toward Female Libido	Impact on Women's Experience
Western Societies	Open discussion, female empowerment	Greater acceptance and awareness
Traditional Societies	Modest or restrictive views	Possible stigma or suppression
Modern Media	Often sexualized portrayal	Influences self-image, expectations
Religious Beliefs	Varying views on sexuality	May inhibit or encourage openness

MedicationsMany medications used for anxiety and depression can lower libido in men and, in some cases, delay orgasm.

• Regular sexual activity can maintain healthy libido.
• Libido may decrease due to aging or menopause.
• Certain neurological conditions affect desire.
• Creative and novel experiences can boost libido.
• Healthy relationships nurture sexual desire.
• Darkness or low lighting often enhance arousal.
• Supplements like maca root are believed to improve libido.
• Hormonal fluctuations are a common cause of desire changes.
• Some medications can increase libido as a side effect.
• Listening to music may increase sexual arousal.

While some men have no side effects, others may encounter significant issues. It's important to note that you should not stop taking any medication without first talking with your health care team.

Hormone	Function	Effect on Libido
Estrogen	Regulates menstrual cycle, arousal	Maintains vaginal tissue, mood
Testosterone	Contributes to sexual desire	Higher levels can enhance libido
Progesterone	Supports pregnancy, can dampen libido	Varies during cycle
Oxytocin	“Love hormone,” enhances bonding	Elevates arousal or intimacy

Alcohol and drug useIncreased alcohol use can reduce testosterone levels and increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and low libido. Illicit drugs often increase sex drive in the short term but have significant long-term negative effects on sexual function. Depending on the substance, drug use can cause a decrease in testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction or change how the brain responds to activities that were previously viewed as pleasurable, like sex. Remember, the answer to treating a low libido is more than turning to medications. Acknowledging there's an issue and seeking professional help can be the start of getting back something great.

• Libido can fluctuate due to menstrual cycle phases.
• Certain medications might lower female sexual desire.
• Hormonal therapies can help restore libido in some women.
• Psychological factors like depression impact libido.
• Body image issues can decrease sexual desire.
• Herbal supplements such as ginseng may enhance libido.
• Physical intimacy fosters emotional and sexual connection.
• Sexual fantasies can be a natural part of desire.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking reduce libido.
• Chronic illnesses may negatively affect female libido.

The issue of low libido in women is even more complex, with causes ranging from past negative and abusive experiences with sex to fatigue and stress. Life stressors and fatigueAfter growing their families, many women are not only weeks behind on quality sleep but also haven't exercised in months and eat only when they can find a spare second.

Why Choose University of Utah Health?

This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf Samantha Nice is a seasoned wellness writer with over a decade of experience crafting content for a diverse range of global brands. A passionate advocate for holistic wellbeing, she brings a particular focus to supplements, women’s health, strength training, and running. Samantha is a proud member of the Healf editorial team, where she merges her love for storytelling with industry insights and science-backed evidence. An avid WHOOP wearer, keen runner (with a sub 1:30 half marathon) hot yoga enthusiast and regular gym goer, Samantha lives and breathes the wellness lifestyle she writes about.

Other Holistic Approaches

With a solid black book of trusted contacts (including some of the industry’s leading experts) she’s committed to creating accessible, well-informed content that empowers and inspires Healf readers. What drives libido in women and why sex drive isn’t always the right phrase Desire vs arousal: Why low libido can feel confusing but totally normal The biology of libido in women: hormones, brain chemistry and stress What actually helps increase sex drive in women Supplements for female libido: what’s worth it and what’s mostly marketing How to actually increase libido in women: Expert top tips It may feel uncomfortable to talk about low libido with your partner and your health care team. Unfortunately, it's a common problem that affects adults everywhere, yet many people have never been asked about their sexual health by their health care teams. Although it may be difficult to discuss, sexual health is important and factors that are causing low libido should be addressed. Many primary care, psychology and OB-GYN professionals are trained to care for and treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD. It's no wonder they say that they feel exhausted and sexually dead. They often confide that they don't feel like they could have a sexual or intimate encounter even after a long time. MedicationsDepression and anxiety lead to lowered libido. Yet, medications to treat these conditions could be making it worse or even causing it. This isn't a reason to stop taking an important medication, but it's definitely a topic to discuss with a sexual health specialist. Weight gainWeight gain can lead to low energy, negative self-image and loss of intimacy with your significant other. Hormone changesEstrogen levels drop during menopause and can greatly affect libido. It can cause vaginal dryness and lead to painful or uncomfortable sex. While not as common, hormonal contraceptives also can cause lower libido.

Factor	Effect on Libido	Suggestions
Communication	Open communication enhances desire	Foster honest dialogue
Emotional Intimacy	Stronger bonds correlate with higher desire	Invest time in connection
Sexual Satisfaction	Better satisfaction encourages desire	Explore preferences
Trust	Increased trust enhances comfort	Build and maintain trust

In some women, they cause vaginal irritation which leads to a decreased willingness to initiate a sexual experience.

Need help finding a certified menopause practitioner?

If libido changes are paired with fatigue, cycle changes, sleep disruption, anxiety, low mood, or perimenopausal symptoms, she recommends starting with proper support. “Speaking with a healthcare provider about checking your overall health can be a reassuring place to start, especially if stress, a hormonal imbalance, thyroid, perimenopause or menopause are contributing to a lower interest in sex,” she says. That’s how you make supplements evidence-led rather than marketing-led… you don’t guess, you investigate. One of the fastest ways to tank libido is comparing your sex life to what you think it should look like. “I wish more women knew that if your sex life doesn’t look like what we see on TV and in films, that’s completely normal,” says April.

Physical Issues

“What we’re shown is entertainment, not a realistic reflection of how desire actually works in real life.” Real desire is shaped by real life, not a scriptwriter’s fantasy. “There is no normal amount of sex you should be having, and your libido will look different to everyone else.” That matters, because so many women label themselves broken when their libido fluctuates. “I speak with women all the time who constantly refer to their bodies as ‘broken’ if they don’t want sex as much as their partner or if their libido fluctuates from month to month or even feels like it's non-existent,” April says. But libido is context-dependent, not character-defining. “Desire is far more complex and context-dependent than most of us were ever taught; it’s shaped by stress, hormones, relationships, and how safe and connected we feel in our bodies.” If your libido has gone quiet, you don’t need to panic or perform. Sexual pain or dyspareuniaIf it hurts, why would you do it? The good news is that pain during sex can often be treated. The first step is to be evaluated by a sexual health specialist who will recommend a treatment plan, which could include a referral to a psychology specialist or pelvic floor physical therapist. Relationship issuesFor many women, emotional closeness is essential for sexual intimacy.

Additional resources on this topic

If you’re experiencing symptoms alongside low desire (like fatigue, cycle changes, mood shifts, vaginal dryness) speak to a healthcare provider about hormone and thyroid support. Don’t ignore pain or discomfort during sex. Pain isn’t something to push through. If sex feels uncomfortable, address the cause first (it’s one of the fastest ways to rebuild safety in the body). Take “sex” off the table sometimes and focus on connection, touch and closeness without a goal.

5. Sexual disorders or trauma

Desire often returns when it’s not being demanded. Have an honest conversation about what you actually want. If you’re partnered, talk about needs, boundaries, timing and what feels good now… not what used to work. A coach or therapist can help unpack emotional blocks, relationship dynamics, or past experiences that may be quietly switching desire off. This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. Problems in the relationship like a lack of connection, unresolved conflicts or trust issues can be a major contributor to a low sex drive.