What Are the Symptoms of Low Libido in Women?
For most women, it’s normal to experience fluctuations in sex drive and sexual activity. Interest in sex can vary at different times in life and even during your menstrual cycle. Around 43 percent of women experience occasional or situational low libido, while about 10 percent have chronic low libido.
The symptoms of chronic low sex drive include:
- Very little or no interest in sex for six months or more
- Rarely or never having sexual thoughts or fantasies
- No interest in initiating sex
- Lack of pleasure from genital touch
- Difficulty enjoying sex
Causes of Low Sex Drive
Understanding and addressing the root cause of your low sex drive is the first step to improving it. Sex drive can decrease for various reasons in women of all ages. Common causes of low libido and sexual dysfunction in women include physical and hormonal changes, emotional factors, and relationship issues. Here are some of the most common causes:
Age
As women age, their estrogen and testosterone levels naturally drop, which can affect libido. Women produce testosterone too, just in smaller amounts than men. However, getting older doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sex. In fact, a survey of over 2,600 women found that women often have their best orgasms after age 35, possibly due to increased self-confidence and comfort in the bedroom.
Tip: Embrace your age by working on self-love and confidence. Wear clothing that makes you feel gorgeous, learn a new skill, and practice meditation and mindfulness.
Medications
Prescription medications, especially certain contraceptives and antidepressants, can affect your sex life. Hormonal injections, implants, rings, and the copper IUD have been linked to lower sex drive. Some antidepressants, like SSRIs, can also reduce your interest in sex or make it difficult to become aroused.
Tip: Talk to your doctor about exploring your options, which might include changing or reducing your medication or using natural alternatives.
Health Disorders
Health conditions can sometimes affect arousal or interest in sex. For example, diabetes can affect circulation and blood flow to the genitals, making it harder to get aroused. Depression and various types of heart disease, including high blood pressure, can also impact sexual function in women.
Tip: If you have an illness or injury that coincided with a change in libido, talk to your OB/GYN or healthcare provider. It could be medication-related or have a psychological underpinning. Understanding the root cause is the first step in addressing it.
Pain or Injury
If you experience pain during sex, your interest in sex is likely to decrease. A lack of desire can also lead to vaginal dryness, which can cause pain during intercourse. Injury or impact to the pelvic floor, whether from childbirth, surgery, or an accident, may interfere with your enjoyment of sex.
Tip: Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor and improve libido by bringing blood flow to the region.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings major hormonal changes that can affect libido. Some women report reduced interest in sex due to feeling less attractive or concerns about the baby’s well-being, although sex does not harm the baby in the womb. Pregnancy fatigue can also reduce interest in sex, while some women experience no changes or even increased desire.
Tip: If you experience pregnancy-related low libido, it will likely subside post-delivery. Schedule dates with your partner to have time away from the baby.
Menopause
Menopause, typically occurring in the early to mid-50s, brings a drop in sex hormones like estrogen. Lower hormone levels can cause vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues, making sex uncomfortable or painful without lubrication. Emotional changes, including irritability or mood swings, can also contribute to low libido. However, not all menopausal women have a low sex drive; some enjoy sex as much or more than before.
Tip: If you experience vaginal dryness, a water-based, chemical-free lubricant can help. Certain herbs and supplements can ease menopausal symptoms. Check out our Top Herbs for Menopause article.
Stress
Sexual desire is not only physical but also mental and emotional. Chronic stress can affect general health and sexual health. A study found that women with chronic high stress had lower arousal levels than women with average stress. Psychological factors like distraction and hormonal factors like higher cortisol levels can affect sex drive.
Tip: Find ways to relieve stress and lower cortisol levels, such as meditation, aerobic exercise, breathing exercises, or eating stress-relieving foods. For more ideas, check out our stress management article.
Anxiety & Depression
Feeling anxious or depressed can dampen anyone’s libido. Anxiety triggers “fight or flight” mode, releasing stress hormones that interfere with sexual response. Women with social phobia are more likely to have chronic low sex drive, pain during sex, fewer sexual thoughts, and less frequent sex. Greater severity of depression symptoms corresponds with a lower sex drive.
Tip: Find a counselor you trust to discuss issues leading to anxiety and depression. Be kind to yourself; these conditions can affect anyone but can be managed with counseling, support, and dietary changes.
Relationship Issues
Tension in your relationship can naturally affect your sex life. If your partner has a high sex drive and yours is low, it can create tension. Seeing a therapist or counselor can help address these concerns.
Tip: Try cuddling without having sex to take away any pressure. Gradually increase physical contact over time.
7 Natural Remedies for Low Sex Drive
Check out these natural remedies for low libido; they don’t have the side effects of medications. Trying several might be your best bet for boosting your sex drive.
Exercise
Regular exercise can reduce stress, increase blood flow, and flood the body with feel-good hormones like endorphins, which can boost libido. Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Studies show exercise increases sexual arousal and satisfaction.
Modify Your Diet
A plant-based diet can improve your sexual health. A diet rich in vegetable proteins and antioxidants improves sexual health in women, while a diet with trans fats, high-glycemic foods, and animal protein can negatively affect fertility and sex drive. Avoid alcohol, which can reduce physiological arousal.
Minimize Stress
Stress and sex don’t mix well. To manage stress, practice mindfulness, stay physically active, practice deep breathing, and take time for fun and relaxation throughout the week.
Take Herbs & Supplements
Some herbs and supplements can boost libido. Ensure they are vegan, organic, and high-quality. Options include ashwagandha root, maca root, suma root, shilajit, saffron, tongkat ali, nutmeg, clove, and muira puama. For maximum effect, try Women’s Hormone Balance, which includes a blend of ashwagandha, maca, Korean ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and other herbs.
Try Sex Therapy or Relationship Counseling
A sex therapist or couples’ counselor can help you find ways to jump-start your sex life and libido. They can help you discover new sexual techniques or overcome emotional roadblocks.
Practice Positive Self-Talk
If you struggle with body image issues, practice positive self-talk in the bedroom. Remember that negative thoughts about your body are just thoughts and don’t always reflect the truth. Look for ways to feel beautiful in your skin to enhance sexual pleasure.
Take the Pressure Off
Sometimes the pressure to feel sexy can be a libido-crusher. Try being affectionate with your partner without the expectation of sex. Enjoy the closeness and intimacy, which might spark desire. Relax and accept yourself wherever you are.
Points to Remember
Low sex drive can become an issue at any stage of life. Symptoms include very little or no interest in sex for six months or more, rarely having sexual thoughts or fantasies, no interest in initiating sex, and difficulty enjoying sex. Low libido is only a concern if it affects your quality of life and relationships.
Various factors can affect low libido, including physical changes from aging or illness, certain medications, hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause, and psychological changes such as stress, depression, anxiety, or relationship issues.
You can take steps to boost your libido naturally. Remedies include regular exercise, reducing stress, taking libido-boosting herbs and supplements, talking to a sex therapist or couples’ counselor, and practicing positive self-talk.
What worked for you? Have you experienced a decrease in libido and found something that made a difference? We’d love to hear your story.
