Have you noticed that you never seem to be “in the mood” much anymore? If you used to enjoy clinking boots but now find yourself completely put off by the idea, it might be worth finding out if there are any underlying issues. As the big sister you’ve always wanted, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on with your hormones and your body, and more importantly, what to do about it. Here’s how to increase libido in women.
Causes of low libido
Before you start panicking, remember that experiencing a low libido from time to time is completely normal. While movies and TV shows might lead you to believe that you should be ready to be adventurous at any moment, real life is a little more complicated than that. Especially if you have a lot on your plate.
That said, if you’re consistently experiencing low libido and aren’t sure what’s going on, it’s worth considering where you are in life physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Physical causes, hormonal changes, psychological conditions and relationship issues can all affect your sex drive. Sex is complicated and so is our interest in it! Here’s a more in-depth look at what may be causing low libido:
Physical and emotional problems
From lifestyle habits to certain medications, low sex drive can be the result of physical or emotional causes. These include, but are not limited to:
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and contraceptives, it can actually reduce sex drive. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the side effects of any prescription medication you’re currently taking, just in case.
- Pain during sex: If you constantly feel pain during sex, it’s no wonder you’re no longer looking forward to having fun between the sheets. It is essential to talk to your doctor or a sex counselor to learn more about what is causing the pain and how to best treat it.
- Fatigue: From working long hours to raising young children, feeling constantly tired has a significant impact on your sex drive.
- Substances: Believe it or not, consuming large amounts of alcohol or other illegal substances to get you high can actually backfire. If you don’t feel it, you don’t feel it.
- Low self-esteem: If you feel insecure about your body or appearance, then low libido is completely understandable.
- Mental health issues: Depression and anxiety are known culprits in reducing sex drive.
Hormonal fluctuations
As women, our hormones are constantly fluctuating depending on where we are in our cycle. But there are certain hormonal changes that are known to affect sex drive. These include:
- Pregnancy: Women experience a rollercoaster of hormonal fluctuations both during and after pregnancy. This can lead to low mood and fatigue, which can affect libido.
- Menopause: Just when you think you’ve finally got a handle on your hormones, Menopause it happens Known to lower libido and cause vaginal dryness for many, sex can often be the last thing on a menopausal woman’s mind.
- High cortisol levels: Cortisol, otherwise known as the “stress hormone,” can have a huge impact on sex drive. The more stressed you feel, the more likely your cortisol levels are to rise and this can lead to a lower libido.
- Thyroid Problems: This tiny gland located in your neck is responsible for so many things in your body. If it’s not working properly, you’re likely to experience a decrease in sex drive. Indicative signs of Thyroid issues include thinning hair, constipation, thinning eyelashes, fatigue, headaches and mood swings.
- Unbalanced testosterone levels: Similar to estrogen, unbalanced testosterone is also linked to a lower sex drive. women.
How to increase libido in women – 5 tips
Here at Hormona, we believe that knowledge is power. If you are experiencing any of the above problems, it is important to address them as soon as possible. For any emotional and physical causes, talking to your doctor or a qualified counselor is a great idea. But if you think your hormones are to blame – which is pretty common – we’ve got some tips and tricks up our sleeve to help.
1. Prioritize self-care
Self-care is a buzzword you can’t seem to escape, and for good reason. And that’s because the more you take care of your body and mind, the healthier you’ll be physically, emotionally and sexually. Try to exercise regularly and release tension with yoga and meditation. The more you deal with stressors, the more likely you are to keep your cortisol at optimal levels.
2. Evaluate your diet
Listen, it’s true what they say — you are what you eat. And certain food choices can have a powerful effect on both sex drive and performance. If you eat foods associated with high levels of inflammation, including refined carbohydrates, sugar and trans fats, your sex drive is likely to be affected.
Instead, try adding anti-inflammatory foods like green vegetables, salmon, turmeric, blueberries and other foods high zinc content in your diet. While you may not see results overnight, it shouldn’t take long to notice a positive change.
3. Test your hormones
If you’re struggling to increase your libido despite making many lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor about hormone testing. A simple blood test can check your levels and see if any are out of balance, so they can discuss treatment options where appropriate.
4. Balance hormones naturally
Unbalanced hormones are one of the reasons why increasing libido in women can be difficult because they play a huge role in how you feel. If your estrogen and testosterone levels are all over the place, for example, you may experience a low sex drive among other unpleasant symptoms.
While balancing your hormones won’t happen overnight, there are things you can do to help your hormones naturally. They include taking care of your gut by eating plenty of fiber, reducing your sugar intake and reducing stress. Prioritizing your sleep and eating adequate protein and healthy fats are also great ideas.
These changes, combined with any treatments prescribed by your health care team, could help balance your hormones and libido.
5. Hormone therapy
There are various hormone treatments available, ranging from pills and patches to vaginal implants, particularly if the loss of libido is linked to menopause. Except HRT, Testosterone has shown some positive results in postmenopausal women. But it is not an official treatment for low libido in women in either the US or the UK
How to Increase Libido in Women: Now What?
If you’re ready to boost your libido, it’s time to prioritize hormonal health. Stay on track with daily insights and tips by recording your ongoing symptoms and moods The Hormona app. Take advantage of simple and often delicious ways to balance your hormones with recipes and activities to build a healthier you — including your sex drive.
The more you take care of your hormones and health, the more likely you are to look forward to having fun in the sheets. But take it easy and remember that fluctuations are completely normal and expected. So give yourself a break every now and then — you got it!
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Anna Targonskaya, MD, OBGYN and Medical Advisor at Hormona
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