When a woman has decreased sex drive or desire is usually called Low Libido. In case, the lack of sexual desire lasts for a longer time, it is usually assigned to arousal disorder. Lack of sexual fantasies, ideas, and desire to have sex or even to masturbate are some symptoms of decreased libido. Commonly, the causes are different among females including psychological, physical, medicinal, and lifestyle factors. Fortunately, there are many treatments that may increase your libido. Not treating this condition may lead to relationship problems and overall health. In this document, we will talk about the causes of reduced libido in females.
Causes of Low Libido
Many factors may decrease libido in women. Physical causes usually are pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, menopause, and others. In some cases, decreased libido may be caused by certain psychological factors (such as stress, depression, anxiety, and others). In addition, using some drugs may also lower your sex drive.
Psychological Causes
The brain releases more stress hormones (Cortisol) if a person is under regular stress. Therefore, elevated levels of cortisol negatively affect Dopamine levels. However, Dopamine helps to increase a female’s sexual desire.
In addition, depression may also reduce a woman’s sexual drive by decreasing energy levels. Body image problems and low self-esteem can also cause low sex drive.
Physical Causes
Usually, physical causes of low sex drive in females may range from health diseases to sexual problems. Problems with reaching an orgasm or pain during sexual activity may also contribute to low sexual desire. Extreme regular tiredness can also decrease libido in females. Additionally, during menopause, a decrease in estrogen can occur in women, which may lead to vaginal dryness. Therefore, painful sexual activity decreases concentration as well as sexual drive in a person.
Furthermore, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels), and neurological disorders are factors that can also decrease libido in women. If you experience high sugar levels in the blood, it may lead to damage to blood vessels in the genital area. Therefore, this effect reduces the sensitivity and sexual intercourse becomes less pleasurable. Diabetes can cause low sex drive in women as well as erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. In addition, the female hormone (Estrogen) is present in an adult man and is responsible for erectile function, sperm production, keeping normal libido levels, and others.
Medication Causes
Some people may use antidepressants and these drugs may also negatively impact libido. However, about 40% of women who use these medicines, experience sexual desire and arousal problems, according to research. Paroxetine and Fluoxetine are some antidepressants that increase Serotonin levels, which interact with Dopamine production. Thereby, decreased Dopamine levels cause lower sex drive in a woman.
Lifestyle
Fatigue is one symptom of poor sleep or insomnia, according to research. Sleep problems interact with intimacy and lower your sexual desire. Misuse of alcoholic beverages may also cause sexual dysfunction problems (such as decreased ability to feel sexual stimulation properly). This effect makes sex less pleasurable and it may lead to decreased sex drive.
According to a study, females who do not perform physical exercises also experience decreased libido. When you are not doing physical activities it can cause poor cardiovascular function. Thus, cardiovascular problems lead to a decrease in sexual pleasure, arousal, and orgasm.
Treatment of Low Libido
In case, you experience decreased libido, there are some ways to treat this condition. For example:
- Body strength training and aerobic exercises may boost libido. Physical exercises increase blood flow in the genital area and help to maintain healthy hormonal levels.
- Certain natural supplements may also be used to enhance libido levels. For example ashwagandha root extract, ginseng, ginkgo, saffron, and others. Usually, it is recommended to combine physical exercises and these supplements. However, this method may not work for everyone.
- In case, the first two methods are not effective, you should consult a physician. Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe Flibanserin and Bremelanotide to increase female sexual desire. Furthermore, doctors may prescribe Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) off-label to treat women’s sexual problems. These medicines belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE-5) that work by increasing the flow of blood in the genital area.
In any case, if you are experiencing decreased sexual desire or drive, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you ignore this condition it may result in a relationship and overall health problems.
Frequent Asked Questions
Is Low libido in women a treatable condition?
Yes, there are several ways to treat this problem. For example herbal supplements, physical exercises, and medicines. However, you should not administer any sexual dysfunction medicines without a physician’s approval because you may experience unpleasant results.
What are lifestyle factors that can cause decreased sex drive in females?
Usually, junk food, excessive smoking or alcohol, poor sleep, and lack of physical activity are major causes of low libido in females.
How vitamin deficiency can provoke reduced libido in women?
You may notice a drop in Estrogen levels due to Vitamin B-12 deficiency. This effect can decrease your sexual desire and arousal. Do not ignore this problem because it also may decrease pleasure during climax and cause extreme tiredness. Thereby, a woman loses interest in sexual activity.
What medicines may provoke decreased sex drive?
If you are following a treatment with antidepressants or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), it may lead to low libido in women. Additionally, high blood pressure and anti-seizure drugs may also cause a decrease in your sexual desire. Discuss with a healthcare professional for more details.
