Sex Drive (low)
Synopsis of Sex Drive (low)
Low sex drive—also known as decreased libido or hyposexuality—is a condition marked by a reduced interest in sexual activity. It can affect people of all ages and genders and is influenced by a complex interplay of physical, hormonal, psychological, and relational factors. For some, it may be a temporary response to stress, fatigue, or life changes; for others, it may stem from deeper health issues such as hormone imbalances, depression, or medication side effects. While it’s normal for libido to fluctuate, persistent or distressing changes in sexual desire may warrant investigation and support.
Types:
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Hormonal low libido: Caused by reduced levels of testosterone, estrogen, or DHEA
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Psychological low libido: Linked to anxiety, depression, stress, or past trauma
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Situational low libido: Related to relationship conflict, life changes, or emotional disconnection
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Medication-induced: Resulting from antidepressants, hormonal birth control, or blood pressure drugs
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Chronic low libido: Long-term reduction often linked to aging, chronic illness, or underlying endocrine dysfunction
Common Causes:
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Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, andropause, thyroid issues)
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Depression, anxiety, or chronic stress
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Fatigue or poor sleep
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Certain medications (SSRIs, antihypertensives, hormonal contraceptives)
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Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., zinc, B vitamins, magnesium)
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Low self-esteem or relationship dissatisfaction
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Chronic illness or pain
Severity Causes:
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Long-term hormonal imbalance
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Coexisting mental health issues
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Untreated thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
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Side effects of multiple medications
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Relationship neglect or emotional disconnect
When to See a Doctor:
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Sudden or unexplained drop in libido
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Low sex drive accompanied by fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings
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Sexual dysfunction causing relationship strain or distress
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No improvement after lifestyle or stress adjustments
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Low libido during hormone therapy or antidepressant use
Natural remedies for Sex Drive (low)
Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that helps balance cortisol and supports testosterone production in both men and women. May enhance sexual desire and reduce stress-related libido loss.
Maca: A root traditionally used to boost sexual energy and hormone balance. Shown in studies to improve libido and mood without affecting hormone levels directly.
Ginseng: Supports blood flow, energy, and libido. Particularly effective in improving sexual function and desire in men and women.
Zinc: Essential for testosterone production and reproductive health. Deficiency is strongly linked to reduced libido and fertility in both sexes.
Magnesium: Supports nervous system regulation and energy metabolism. Helps relieve fatigue and anxiety that often contribute to low desire.
Vitamin B6: Aids in neurotransmitter synthesis and hormone balance. Supports libido by improving mood and reducing PMS or stress-related symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Improve circulation, hormone sensitivity, and mood—all of which are key to maintaining a healthy sex drive.
Stress reduction: Mindfulness, yoga, and adequate rest are essential to restoring natural desire, especially when psychological factors are involved.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Sex Drive (low)
ashwagandha
chaste tree
coleus forskohlii
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
fenugreek
ginseng
l-arginine
maca
magnesium
muira puama
omega-3 fatty acids
tongkat ali
tribulus
velvet bean
vitamin B6
zinc
cistanche
barrenwort
yohimbe
19-NorAndrost-4ene-3b-ol,17-one
18-Methylestr-4-en-3-one-17b-ol
11-hydroxy yohimbine
17a-ethyl-estr-5(6)-ene-3B-diol
1-Androstenedione
19-Norandrostenediol
17a-di methyl-bol
2a 17a -dimethyl 17a hydroxy, 5a etiocholan 3-one
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
3b-Hydroxy-androstan-17-one
3b-hydroxy-androsta-1,4,6-triene-17-one
3,7-keto-DHEA
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
4-DHEA
4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone
4-androsterone
5-androstene-3alpha,17beta-diol
5-androsten-3beta-ol-17-one
6, 17 keto etiocholeva-3-ol 3, 17 ketoetiochol-triene
6 Bromo 3, 17 dioxoetioallochalane
7a-alpha-methyl-estra-4-en-3,17-dione
7-Alpha-Hydroxy-DHEA
7b-hydroxy, 17b-dihydro DHEA
7-Hydroxy-DHEA (unspecified)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Arginine
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Androstane derivatives
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Androstenedione
Asparagus racemosus
Arginine malate
Antler horn
Arginine silicate inositol
Arginine-L-malate
American Ginseng
Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate
Androsterone 3-Acetate
Antler Horn
Acetyl-L-Carnitine-L-Arginine
Androsterone
Bulbine natalensis
Boron (various)
Ba Ji Tian
Butea superba
Curculigo orchicides
Chinese Chastetree
Cnidium
Citrulline
Cordyceps
Cistanche deserticola
Chastetree
Chinese Dodder
Cistanche tubulosa
Cistanche
Catuaba
Curculigo (unspecified)
Cistanche (unspecified)
Damiana
D-Aspartic Acid
Dendrobium
DHEA
Eurycomanone
Epimedium
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Epimedium extract
Epiandrosterone
Eria jarensis
Epidedium
Estrogen
Flower Pollen
Furostanols
Five-leaf Chastetree
Fadogia agrestis
Ginseng, Oriental
Ginsenosides (unspecified)
Ginseng
Glandular Tissues
Ginseng (unspecified)
Ginsenoside
Ginseng, Panax
Hypothalamus
Horny Goat Weed
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
icariin
Inositol Citrulline Silicate
Ketosterone (unspecified)
Labisia pumila
Macamides
Maral Root
Massularia acuminata
Massularia auminata
Muira Puama
Maca
Methylepitiostanol
Miroestrol
Macaenes
Nitric Oxide
Ovary
Oyster
Orchic
oyster
Ovary
Progesterone
Panax Ginseng
Protodioscin
Protodioscin
Pituitary
Progesterone
Phytoestrogen
Pituitary
Pine Pollen
Phytoestrol (unspecified)
Safed musli
Semen
Sterones (unspecified)
Tribulin
Testosterone precursor (unspecified)
Tribuloside (unspecified)
Tribulus
Trenavar
testicle
Tribulus alatus
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitex (unspecified)
yohimbine
Yohimbe
Yohimbines (unspecified)
