What is libido and what does it depend on? Causes of low libido in women and men
Libido is a complex sexual function influenced by both psychological and biological factors. It is driven by sex hormones, and its levels change depending on age and lifestyle. Both women and men can experience a decrease in libido, and the causes of such a state may vary greatly.
What is libido and how does sexual drive work? When is sexual desire at its peak in women, and when in men? What factors can lead to lowered libido at a young age? Are there proven ways to increase libido?
Table of Contents
- What is libido and how does sexual drive work
- Decreased libido – causes and risk factors
- Libido in men and women – similarities and differences
- When is sexual drive at its highest in men and women?
- Symptoms of low libido at a young age – how to recognize them?
- Decreased libido – which tests are worth doing?
- What influences libido levels? Lifestyle, hormones, and mental health
- How to deal with low libido? 7 proven ways to boost your sex drive!
- Treatment of low libido – when to seek professional help?
- Dietary supplements supporting libido – are they worth using?
- Summary – why is it worth taking care of libido and sexual health?
What is libido and how does sexual drive work
Libido is a term used to describe sexual desire and the urge to have intercourse. Freud considered libido as a form of life energy, while today it is understood as a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Female libido is mainly regulated by estrogen and progesterone, while in men it depends on testosterone levels. In reality, however, there are many factors that can influence libido, including diet, physical activity, and overall health.
What functions does libido serve and why is it important for sexual health?
The level of libido affects not only the desire for sex but also overall well-being and relationships. Sexual drive is an important element of partnership bonds, influencing self-confidence and life satisfaction. Problems with libido can cause tension in a relationship, feelings of frustration, and even reduced self-esteem. On the other hand, high libido can bring more energy, physical activity, and joy in intimacy with a partner.
Decreased libido – causes and risk factors
A decrease in libido is a common issue that can stem from many causes, ranging from biological to psychological. The most common factors affecting libido levels in both women and men include:
- hormonal disorders – low testosterone in men, a drop in estrogen in women during menopause, thyroid problems
- stress and mental health – chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can also impact sexual drive
- lifestyle – lack of sleep, fatigue, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse, and substance use may lower libido
- certain medications – including antidepressants, hormonal drugs, or medications for hypertension, which can lead to decreased libido
Each of these factors can influence libido levels and cause a reduction in sexual desire in both women and men.
Libido in men and women – similarities and differences
Although libido in both sexes works through similar mechanisms, there are also differences. Male libido is strongly tied to testosterone levels – low levels of this hormone can negatively affect sexual drive and lead to erection problems. Female libido, on the other hand, is more often influenced by hormonal fluctuations and the menstrual cycle. In both cases, decreased libido can affect relationships with a partner and overall sexual satisfaction.
Libido in women
The strength of sexual desire is an individual trait for every woman. What is female libido? It is an inner sexual appetite, influenced by factors such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. In women, libido is more strongly connected to emotions and the quality of the relationship.
Libido in men
Libido in men is closely linked to testosterone levels in the body. What is male libido, and what factors influence it? Sexual drive in men largely depends on hormonal balance, age, and lifestyle choices.
When is sexual drive at its highest in men and women?
Women usually experience the strongest sexual drive during ovulation, when estrogen levels rise. Before menstruation, the desire for sex is often lower. For men, libido tends to be highest at a young age, and over time—especially during andropause—it may decrease. However, this does not mean that an increase in libido at an older age is impossible. Much depends on lifestyle and overall health.
Symptoms of low libido at a young age – how to recognize them?
The symptoms of low libido vary, but most often they include a lack of desire for sex, reduced interest in a partner, and less engagement in sexual activity.
When libido decreases, the symptoms may also involve:
- less frequent intercourse
- feeling less attractive sexually
- erection problems in men
- vaginal dryness in women
If these symptoms persist for a longer time, they require medical consultation and identifying the underlying causes of low libido. Sexual health is important and should neither be ignored nor a source of shame. Responding in time allows you to take care not only of sexual needs but also of your overall well-being.
Decreased libido – which tests are worth doing?
When dealing with libido problems, it is a good idea to check overall health and sex hormone levels. Recommended tests include testosterone, prolactin, thyroid hormones, as well as general blood work. This can help identify the cause and determine whether there are hormonal imbalances leading to decreased libido in both men and women.
What influences libido levels? Lifestyle, hormones, and mental health
It is not only hormones that affect libido in women and men. While they play a key role in sexual drive, other factors often determine libido levels as well, such as diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and substance use. Libido disorders can also be caused by certain illnesses (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases), fatigue, or medications. Sexual desire often drops when mental health is disturbed, meaning that fluctuations in libido can also result from long-term stress or depression.
How to deal with low libido? 7 proven ways to boost your sex drive!
If you notice your libido decreasing, remember that there are effective ways to raise it. Here are seven of them:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle – regular physical activity and enough sleep support hormonal balance.
- Reduce stress – meditation, relaxation, or talking with your partner can improve mood and sexual desire.
- Eat a balanced diet – zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins are essential for proper hormonal processes in the body.
- Avoid stimulants – alcohol and cigarettes can significantly lower libido.
- Talk openly with your partner – honesty in a relationship has a huge impact on sexual drive.
- Check your medications – some drugs may reduce libido.
- Consider natural aphrodisiacs – ingredients such as ginseng or maca can help increase libido.
Low libido can become a problem if it persists and causes frustration in a relationship. However, remember that sexual drive can be a source of energy, closeness, and satisfaction. That’s why it’s worth taking care of it consciously and, if necessary, seeking professional help.
Treatment of low libido – when to seek professional help?
Libido disorders may be primary or secondary, for example due to health problems or medications. Treatment depends mainly on the cause and may include:
- Lifestyle changes – improving diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
- Stress reduction – relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or therapy.
- Hormonal therapy – in women during menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be used.
- Pharmacological treatments – medications with active substances such as flibanserin, sildenafil, bupropion, or bremelanotide may be applied in specific cases.
Dietary supplements supporting libido – are they worth using?
Libido can be naturally boosted with the help of proper supplementation. Vitamins and minerals play an essential role in maintaining sexual drive at a high level, especially zinc, selenium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. They support the regulation of the hormonal system and also contribute to the overall functioning of the body, which translates into better sexual health.
Support in libido-related disorders may also come from natural supplements containing L-arginine, ginseng, or ashwagandha. Products in the form of tablets or capsules can help improve libido, but it is important to remember that they cannot replace a healthy lifestyle and treating the root causes.
Summary – why is it worth taking care of libido and sexual health?
Libido, also known as sexual drive, is an important element of both physical and mental health. High libido can lead to more frequent sexual activity and greater satisfaction in intimacy, while low libido may cause relationship tensions, stress, and problems with self-esteem.
Taking care of it through a healthy lifestyle and good communication, and if necessary with the help of a specialist, has a positive impact not only on sexuality but also on overall well-being.
Bibliography