“Sexual health is more like a gateway to other underlying issues. When people come to me about their sexual health, it’s rarely an issue with their genitalia.” ~ Dr. Amy B. Killen
Libido as an Indicator of Overall Health and Vitality
Low libido, or decreased sexual desire, can have various underlying causes, from chronic illness to poor relational and mental health.
Both men and women experience low libido, with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder affecting more women than men.
Although the reasons for low libido may remain elusive to many, below are some of the most common.
Physical Health and Libido
Low libido indicates that something may be off with our physiology, mental health, or relationships.
Below are some of the most common physiological health factors for low libido.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
A decrease in hormone levels, especially testosterone, can lower sexual desire in both men and women.
Hormone imbalance or even hormonal changes due to oral contraceptives can lower libido in some women.
As men and women age, their hormone levels naturally decline, impacting sexual desire.
Menopause can also cause a decline in estrogen levels, leading to decreased sexual desire in women.
2. Chronic Illness
Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can affect sexual desire due to the physical and emotional effects.
3. Lifestyle Factors
Poor sleep, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse can all contribute to low libido.
4. Certain Medications
Some medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications, as well as oral contraceptives, can affect sexual desire in some individuals.
Psychosocial Health and Libido
1. Stress
Both physical and mental stress remains at the top of the most common reasons for low sexual desire.
Moving towards a more ‘rest and digest’ or parasympathetic state through quality sleep, movement, and enough restorative downtime can significantly increase sexual desire.
Practices centered around building a mind-body connection, such as yoga, meditation, time in nature, or journaling, can help reduce stress levels and contribute to overall well-being, with increased libido as a potential byproduct.
2. Mental Health Conditions
For both men and women, underlying mental health conditions, especially depression, can significantly cause low libido.
Depression and anxiety can affect libido. Addressing underlying mental health concerns with a licensed therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor can have a positive impact on overall health status, as well as libido.
Cognitive behavioral can benefit low sexual arousal, particularly in women, and may help address issues, such as anxiety and depression, at the root of the dysfunction.
3. Relational Issues
Tension in relationships, unsurprisingly, can contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Sex or couples therapy can help address the psychological and emotional factors contributing to the issue.
Next Steps to Better Sexual Health
It’s essential to identify the underlying cause of low libido and seek appropriate treatment, including lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication, depending on the cause.
When we identify the root causes behind low libido, we can create change in a positive direction toward a healthier level of sexual desire.
You have what it takes inside you to make a definite choice that will change the future trajectory of your health.
Our team at Tiger Medical has the experience, clinical skills, and coaching acumen to help you get your sexual health and energy back.
To talk to one of our professionals, click here to schedule your call!
For further reading, view the following articles on our learning center:
8min to read
7min to read