In most people, libido or sex drive doesn’t stay at the same level all the time. It naturally goes up and down depending on hormones, stress levels and environment among other factors. In some cases however, low libido is a warning sign of an underlying issue.
In this post, we explain how to differentiate between natural fluctuations in libido and potential red flags.
Natural Fluctuations in Libido
Sex drive is controlled directly by hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, and neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine. Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers.
The amount of these chemicals in the body varies depending on numerous factors including diet, exercise, what you are doing and even time of day. Hence, sex drive fluctuates as well.
For example, your libido might go up after a workout because of an increase in testosterone.
High levels of stress, on the other hand, suppress testosterone by increasing the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone. This results in a lower sex drive.
Women experience varying levels of sex drive during different periods of the menstrual cycle. This corresponds to hormonal fluctuations.
Your environment, the quality of your relationship and lifestyle factors like sleep and alcohol intake can also cause temporary fluctuations in libido.
Here’s how you can tell that your changes in libido are normal.
They happen regularly. For instance, you experience more sexual desire at specific times of the day or at certain times of the month. You can also predict when your libido will be low such as after a night of bad sleep, during your period or in the morning.
Low libido is temporary and resolves itself either on its own or after you have made adjustments to your lifestyle e.g. sleeping better or relaxing.
Fluctuations in libido are not accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, pain during sex, prolonged mental stress and mood changes.
Your sex drive generally stays in the same consistent range without unexpected sharp rises or drops.
Libido Warning Signs of Underlying Issues
Sometimes, changes in libido are indications of underlying health problems. Sex drive is a complex process that’s intertwined with many other processes and systems in the body.
So a problem that affects one aspect of your health can also affect your libido. That’s why low sex drive is a common symptom for a wide range of health conditions including type 2 diabetes, depression, thyroid and high blood pressure.
The most common red flag is a sudden and unexplained drop in sex drive. The change in libido might be a symptom of something else going on.
Here are other warning signs to look out for.
A gradual drop in libido can also be a red flag if it keeps going down or stays low for a prolonged period. Normally, libido should fluctuate regularly. Consistently low libido is a warning sign.
A sudden or gradual drop in libido accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, heat flashes, pain, depression and others.
You have no interest in sex and masturbation. You may also find you have fewer or no sexual thoughts.
You have trouble getting aroused or achieving and sustaining an erection.
You have just started or changed medication. Some medications can cause unexpected changes in libido.
If you notice any one of these warning signs, talk to your doctor. Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend a variety of tests to check for underlying health issues.
How is Low Libido Treated?
Treatment for low libido depends on what’s causing it. In many cases, treating the underlying condition is enough to bring sex drive back up to normal levels.
Low libido caused by hormonal problems may be treated using hormone therapy. For example, menopausal women often get estrogen therapy to help increase sex drive and manage other menopause symptoms.
Men with low testosterone may be eligible for testosterone replacement therapy, which can increase sex drive and help with erectile dysfunction.
In other cases, lifestyle changes can boost libido. Exercising more, eating a healthier diet, getting good quality sleep and spending more time with friends and family are some of the changes that can improve sex drive.
Takeaways
Changes in libido are normal. But if a drop in libido happens suddenly, is accompanied by other symptoms and goes on for a long time, there could be an underlying health problem. Talk to your doctor.
It’s a good idea to learn your libido fluctuations. Notice when it goes up and down. This makes it easier to notice when a change in sex drive is unusual.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet and sleep can help increase and maintain libido.
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