Female sexual desire naturally fluctuates with both time and age. For instance, while its common to have a high libido at the beginning of a new relationship; sexual desire may reduce over time or due to health conditions (i.e., diabetes, arthritis, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder), taking certain prescription medications (i.e., antidepressants), or life changes (i.e., pregnancy or menopause).
Common symptoms of low sex drive may include lack of sexual fantasies and little or no interest in sexual activity of any kind. Keep in mind that sex drive varies greatly from one woman to the next, and there’s no ideal sex drive for every individual. However, if you suspect an issue, the following underlying causes may contribute to low libido:
1. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD, is a medical condtion that results in a combination of low sex drive that leads to deep personal anxiety. Many women with HSDD are perplexed by their low sex drive because they describe themselves as once having a high interest in sex, but that has diminshed greatly. A differentiating factor of HSDD is that this low libido bothers the patient so much that they often suffer low self esteem and body image, as well as the bond with their partner suffers in their eyes as well. Treatment for HSDD is typically doctor-prescribed medication (i.e., Vylessi), which aims to boost sexual desire.
2. Hormonal issues
Hormone levels naturally fluctuate with changes in our lives. For instance, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may suffer chronic fatigue as well as hormonal changes that greatly impact sex drive. Women in perimenopause and menopause may also suffer from reduced estrogen production, which may lead to low libido due to vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
3. Certain prescription medications
Several prescription drugs have been long linked to low libido in patients taking them. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a type of antidepressant) is known to lower libido in patients with clinical depression according to the Mayo Clinic.
4. Pain-related health conditions
Several pain-related conditions may also put a damper on sex drive. For instance, even though coronary artery disease, fibromyalgia, and many forms of arthritis (i.e., gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis) don’t have a direct impact on sexual desire, chronic pain may negatively impact sex drive.
5. Psychological conditions
Mental health and sexual desire also go hand-in-hand. For instance, low self esteem, negative body image, chronic work-related stress, and clinical depression or anxiety disorder may all result in lower sex drive. These conditions may have a negative domino effect on a patient’s mood, energy levels, appetite, sleep quality, weight, and personal relationships, which may greatly impact sexual enjoyment.
