Effective Low Libido Treatment for Females: Pro Tips and Comprehensive Solutions

Low libido, or a decreased sexual desire, affects many women, particularly as they age. About one-third of women in the US experience low libido at some point, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Recognizing the signs early can help in addressing the issue more effectively.

Common Symptoms

If you’re dealing with a low libido, you might find yourself just not interested in sex at all. This can mean fewer sexy thoughts or fantasies, and you might not respond much to anything that’s supposed to turn you on. It’s also common to feel kind of detached from intimacy. On top of that, the emotional stuff—like feeling frustrated with your changing body or worrying about how this affects your relationships—can make things even worse. All these things can hit your self-esteem and emotional well-being hard.

When to Seek Help

If low libido disrupts your daily life and relationships, it’s ok to get help. We have regular libido masterclasses for those who Want to Want It™. Navigating things like menopause, low testosterone, thyroid issues, and specific birth control medications can contribute to this decline.

Understanding these underlying causes helps identify the right treatment path. Negative emotional responses, such as feeling isolated or misunderstood and concerns about relationship dynamics, highlight the need for professional support.

Causes of Low Libido in Women

Hormonal Factors

Hormonal imbalances significantly impact a woman’s libido. Around menopause, decreased estrogen levels often cause vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse, making intimacy less enjoyable. Estrogen therapy or vaginal estrogen treatments can alleviate these symptoms, potentially boosting your libido.

Specific birth control methods might lower libido, an unintended consequence of altering hormone levels. Understanding these effects can help you make informed decisions about contraceptives.

Psychological Causes

Psychological factors also influence sexual desire. It can be simple as stress, anxiety, or more significant issues like depression can reduce libido, making you feel disconnected from your partner.

Also, self-esteem issues and body image concerns play a role. If you don’t feel comfortable in your skin, it’s hard to feel yourself sexy.

Medication Side Effects

Medications sometimes have unintended side effects like reducing libido. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are notable for this. If you’re experiencing this side effect, consulting your doctor about alternative medications or dosage adjustments could be beneficial.

Certain antihypertensive drugs and anti-seizure medications are also linked to decreased sexual desire. Knowing these potential side effects can help you discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.

Life Stages and Events

Life stages and significant events often impact libido. Postpartum women, for example, frequently experience a drop in sexual desire due to hormonal shifts and fatigue.

Significant life changes such as divorce or illness can also affect your libido. During such times, patience and self-care become essential in maintaining sexual health. Recognizing these fluctuations as usual can help you manage expectations and seek help when needed.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Lots of women, especially those over 40, struggle with low libido, and it can disrupt their quality of life. Like anything, getting the diagnosis right is necessary for fixing any problem.

Talking to Your Healthcare Provider

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical and sexual history to pinpoint potential causes. Be prepared to discuss symptoms, medications, and emotional well-being. This comprehensive approach assists your doctor in forming a holistic view of your condition.

Common Diagnostic Tests

Blood tests can check hormone levels, including estrogen and testosterone, which influence sexual desire. A thyroid function test might also be conducted, as thyroid imbalances affect libido.

Psychological assessments could be suggested if stress, anxiety, or depression are suspected contributing factors. These tests and your medical history enable your specialist to develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Lifestyle Changes

By incorporating healthy eating, regular physical activity, and effective stress management techniques, you can improve these changes significantly improve your libido.

Diet and Exercise

To enhance mood and energy levels, consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and non-conventional protein (organic/grass-fed). For instance, include leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are rich in magnesium and help increase blood flow.

Regular exercise releases endorphins and improves body image, naturally increasing sexual desire. Engage in cardio activities like running or swimming and strength training exercises like weightlifting. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week to see the best results.

Stress Management

Practice mindfulness meditation for 10-20 minutes daily to calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Yoga can enhance relaxation and focus with poses like the Child’s Pose (Balasana) and Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana). Also, try incorporating deep breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, which helps to reduce stress and improve overall wellness.

Other Therapies

Low libido in women can be managed through a combination of alternative and complementary therapies that address emotional, psychological, and physical factors.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy is invaluable for women grappling with pain and tightness around the vagina. By improving vaginal tone and elasticity, it enhances lubrication and reduces discomfort during sex. This therapy can be a game-changer for boosting your sexual desire by making intercourse more pleasurable.

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy tackles the relational aspects of low libido. Working with a therapist can help you and your partner resolve underlying issues and build intimacy. The sessions often include education on sexual response, practical techniques, and suggested readings. Couples exercises provided during therapy sessions can reignite the spark in your relationship, making you feel closer and more connected.

Sex Education and Counseling

With the proper sex education, you can learn about what drives your desire, which may help in boosting your libido. With customized advice, your “educator” can address specific concerns and help create a more satisfying sexual experience.

Talking to a sex therapist or counselor offers an insightful way to understand your sexual response better. These professionals can guide you in improving your techniques.

Conventional Treatment Options

When dealing with low libido in women, especially those over 40, it helps to be aware of the different treatment options out there if a functional approach isn’t enough.

Hormone Therapy

• Estrogen Therapy: Localized estrogen therapy can improve vaginal tone, elasticity, blood flow, and lubrication. It’s particularly effective for addressing menopausal symptoms affecting sexual health.

Counseling and Therapy

Psychological and emotional factors play a significant role in sexual desire. Engaging in counseling or therapy can provide essential support. Techniques include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps address negative thought patterns and behaviors affecting sexual desire.
• Sex Therapy: Provides strategies to enhance communication and intimacy between partners.
• Relationship Counseling: Focuses on resolving underlying relationship issues contributing to low libido.

Medication Options

• Flibanserin (Addyi): Taken daily, this FDA-approved pill helps enhance sexual desire in premenopausal women. It’s vital to avoid alcohol when using it, as it may cause drowsiness.
• Bremelanotide (Vyleesi): This injectable – boosts sexual desire when taken before anticipated sexual activity. Common side effects include nausea, flushing, and headaches.
• Wellbutrin: An antidepressant known to increase libido as a side effect. It’s often prescribed off-label for low sex drive.
• Vaginal Estrogen or DHEA Suppositories: These hormone treatments target vaginal dryness and enhance genital sensitivity, which is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women.

Again, at MyLibidoDoc™, we tend to focus on addressing root causes. While prescriptions are sometimes necessary, addressing the core issues is what will allow your body to self-regulate your sex drive.

Coping and Support Suggestions

Sex drives are very nuanced. We find talking openly about it with your partner or tribe can help.

Communication with Partner

Talk to your partner! Having an open and safe discussion with your partner can foster a more profound connection on sensitive topics like … libido. It’s crucial to express your feelings clearly and respectfully without placing blame, which can lead to more receptive communication.

If it’s a challenge and both parties are willing to “do the work,” consider trying couples therapy.

Support Groups

Another good option is to join a support group like ours to help talk out issues in a safe setting with the right education resources (from hormones, techniques, and relationships.

This is one way to help you feel less isolated and more informed, which can improve your emotional and mental health.