Low libido is a very common complaint for many of our patients. Globally, low libido (sexual dysfunction) affects between 43-50% of women and 31% of men1,2. Almost half of women suffer from low libido! This is a widespread issue that often goes undiagnosed or simply ignored in a large percentage of the population.


Sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is defined as any difficulty with the processes of desire and arousal, including but not limited to pain, disinterest, and functional changes that impact a person’s participation in or enjoyment of sex.


Many of our patients are convinced that “it must be a hormone imbalance”. However, we know that it is a multifaceted issue that needs to be addressed with a holistic perspective. This includes, but is not limited to: nutrient status, hormone imbalance, mindset, self-esteem, body image issues, stress levels, diet, relationships, guilt, overall health, shame/stigma, beliefs/values, and religious and cultural factors.


We will be reviewing the top 3 culprits we see in our practice that contribute to low libido.


Stress Response

How many of you are stressed to the max, overworked, and are likely experiencing burnout? My guess is too many to count because I see it every day in my practice. Because of our fast-paced North American lifestyle, we are consistently in sympathetic mode which is our fight or flight (“run from a tiger”) response. Unfortunately, when we are in sympathetic mode, our pleasure center in our brain is turned off, which means our libido will have a tough time doing its job. Not only does consistently being in sympathetic mode contribute to an absent libido, but also imbalanced cortisol levels. Too high, and too low, of cortisol can both impact libido in different ways.


Hormones

There are many hormones which can affect libido however the primary ones we commonly see are Testosterone, Estrogen, Thyroid hormones, and Cortisol. The best way to address these hormones is first to be properly assessed by your healthcare provider (MD and/or ND) so that a full history, physical exam, and appropriate lab work can be performed.


Mindset

This is a complex topic including body image, past trauma, shame, and silence/stigma around sexual health. Another topic to explore with mindset is love languages for both you and your partner. You may both be making bids of attention and love but not quite syncing up.


Libido is a complex issue and involves looking at many different angles of your health. If you want to dive deeper into the root causes of your libido, book in with one of our practitioners today.


Resources to check out

  •  5 love languages – Gary Chapman

  • The Pink Canary - Jordin Wiggins

  • Come As You Are - Emily Nagoski


References

  1.  Allahdadi, K. J., Tostes, R. C. A., & Webb, R. C. (2009). Female Sexual Dysfunction: Therapeutic Options and       Experimental Challenges. Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 7(4), 260–269.     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3008577/

  2. Rosen, R. C. (2000). Prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Current Psychiatry Reports, 2(3), 189–195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-996-0006-2