Low libido is an important aspect of health, but it is often overlooked during medical visits. However, this is a topic that deserves attention because our bodies are designed to benefit from this aspect, not just for the sake of species survival.
Sexual interests and sexual behaviors offer numerous benefits to our health, including hormones, physical contact and play, whether with oneself or with others. The reduction of these factors may indicate potential health problems or lead to health issues.
Low sexual desire is one of the most common symptoms of sexual dysfunction. It can provide valuable information about one's health status, and therefore should be given more frequent attention in medical institutions. To understand some of the main causes of low sexual desire and decreased sexual interest, the following outlines their significance.
Low testosterone level
Worrying about low testosterone levels is a common concern for men, but its impact on women is just as significant as the main hormonal factor causing decreased libido. While some diseases can directly cause or trigger low testosterone levels, modern lifestyles are actually one of the biggest factors contributing to this problem. Increased stress, lack of sleep, insufficient exercise, and poor nutrition are all common.
This is because the biochemical signals in our bodies are mainly controlled by daily activities (including hormone levels). Take stress as an example. Stress causes the body to produce more cortisol. Studies have shown that this often comes at the expense of testosterone. The more cortisol is present in the bloodstream, the less the influence of testosterone seems to be.
Cortisol also affects thyroid function, which in turn influences the level of testosterone in the body. Lack of sleep can also cause a decrease in testosterone levels, because sleep time is a period of recovery for the body. If there is insufficient sleep, the cortisol level will rise, disrupting the balance of other hormones and ultimately leading to a decrease in testosterone levels.
Estrogen is also essential in the process of muscle growth. Therefore, exercise is an important factor influencing the production and level of testosterone. At the same time, proper nutrition can ensure that the body has the foundation necessary for the production of testosterone (see below). Although improving lifestyle is important, sometimes supplementing with testosterone or testosterone precursors can also be helpful.
Low sexual desire + Nutritional status
Hormones are synthesized from the nutrients we consume. Maintaining a healthy and diverse diet is crucial for maintaining hormone balance. From a macro perspective, adequate fats and proteins are the foundation for the production of all hormones. And vitamins and minerals are the essential substances that sustain these processes.
Unfortunately, due to poor diet and digestive disorders, many people lack these essential nutrients, especially the latter group of vitamins and minerals. The deficiency of these nutrients not only leads to hormonal imbalance but also causes a decline in the quality of sperm and eggs, thereby increasing the risk of infertility.
Optimizing nutrition can also enhance our energy levels, improve our mood, and boost cardiovascular health, thereby further promoting sexual health. Although the best nutritional supplement plan is achieved through diet, a customized nutritional supplement plan tailored to individual needs can provide support during long-term dietary adjustments.
side effect of drug
The common side effects of many prescription drugs include decreased libido and/or reduced sexual activity or sexual ability. Two drug categories that have well-documented effects in this regard are SSRIs (antidepressants) and contraceptives. The former even has its own name: SSRI-induced post-sexual dysfunction (PSSD).
Contraception can interfere with the production of testosterone and increase the proteins that bind to it in the body. This reduces the utilization of testosterone. The mechanism by which SSRIs affect libido is not clear, but it is speculated to include dopamine-serotonin interactions as well as direct interference with the neural and hormonal signal transmission in the sexual organs.
For those who wish to stop taking these medications, it is important to work with a provider who is skilled in holistic support for the body, in order to achieve the best results in maintaining personal health goals after discontinuing the medications.
Poor health condition of the circulatory system
Cardiovascular health is closely related to sexual function, as vascular health affects the ability and endurance of blood flow to the sexual organs. For men, this has the most direct impact on erectile function, as the blood vessels responsible for erection in the penis are smaller than those in the heart. Before any problems arise in standard cardiovascular examinations, the penis may already be damaged.
The accumulation of plaques and inflammation causing damage to the blood vessels can lead to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, when erectile dysfunction first occurs, attention should always be paid to cardiovascular health. The same issue also affects women, although the symptoms are less obvious. However, damage to the blood flow of the sexual organs can affect sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, and orgasm.
Studies have shown that diets such as the Mediterranean diet, which are beneficial for heart health, are also beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction.
Physical and mental connection + Low libido
Low libido and weakened sexual urges are often related to psychological/emotional factors. The underlying causes are almost always poor stress management, unresolved past traumas, and/or self-loss. Nowadays, many people are overwhelmed and their lives are out of sync with their own needs. When this happens, it leads to the loss of connection with oneself and others.
The final result is that our lives as a whole lack a sense of intimacy, and this phenomenon is prevalent in our culture. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to take time for self-reflection, identify and properly meet one's own needs.
Good self-care habits, mindfulness practices, a healthy body image, and strong community and social support are all crucial to this process. Additionally, collaborating with therapists and other mental health professionals to address relationship issues when necessary is equally important. There is an increasing body of scientific evidence supporting this. Our emotional health has such a profound impact on physical health and sexual desire that we must prioritize it.
It is not surprising that these factors often come into play. If you are experiencing low libido, then collaborating with a professional who focuses on holistic care and addressing these multiple factors through an in-depth assessment of your personal health needs is an important step forward.
In addition to addressing health issues through diet and lifestyle changes, the support of herbal remedies, nutritional supplements and other therapies can also provide immediate assistance while initiating long-term treatment. Practitioners who have received training in these therapies can guide you on how to use these therapies correctly and effectively.