Experiencing a decrease in sexual interest is a common situation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 4 in 10 women have some type of sexual problem at some point in their lives.

Fortunately, many cases of low sex drive can be successfully addressed. Here at ReVital, our team of care providers has extensive experience helping women of all ages address problems with low libido.

Causes of Low Libido

A decrease in sexual interest can have a variety of emotional and physical causes.

Some of the emotional triggers include stress, anxiety, depression, overwhelming work or family responsibilities, and relationship problems between couples. A history of sexual abuse or other psychological issues may also interfere with sexual desire.

Some of the physical factors that can reduce libido include menopause symptoms, hormonal issues, pain from intercourse, health problems, and certain medications or medical treatments.

Evaluating Sexual Concerns

The first step is for you to visit with your doctor. In addition to performing a physical exam and any necessary testing, your doctor can talk with you about what’s going on in your life. This will help determine what care and treatment will be best for you. Sometimes causes can be physical or emotional – or even a mix of both.

Depending on your situation, some common paths forward may include one or more of the following:

Counseling
Counseling can help treat emotional issues related to sexual function and desire. You may benefit from meeting with a social worker, therapist, or psychologist for individual or couples therapy. If you have a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety, the right therapist can work with you and help guide you to better health.

Mind/Body Strategies
When stress and worry contribute to low libido, mind/body strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, exercise, mindfulness, and guided imagery can reduce feelings of distress and make space for you to experience sex in a more relaxed way.

Health Conditions Related To Sexual Function
If your sexual dysfunction is related to a health condition, medication, or medical treatment, your doctor can work with you to understand and resolve these issues. For example, if you take a medication that dampens sexual desire, you may have the option of switching to a different medication with fewer sexual side effects.

Menopause-Related Conditions
It’s common to experience low libido related to menopause. Some symptoms related to menopause and perimenopause (the time before menopause) can reduce sexual interest and sexual pleasure, including:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Low energy
  • Mood swings
  • Painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Weight gain
  • Menopause-related treatment options

If your low libido is caused by menopause symptoms, the following treatment options may provide relief.

Hormone Therapy
Menopause causes changes in hormone levels. For some women, hormone replacement medications can relieve a variety of menopausal symptoms, including low libido. Depending on your situation, pills or topical vaginal hormone applications could help. With ReVital, we will conduct blood tests to check your hormone levels and then will tailor a treatment plan best for you.

How To Get Help

ReVital offers free consultations where you can speak to one of our clinicians about ReVital’s Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. At ReVital, we can conduct simple blood tests to evaluate the levels of these hormones in your system and prescribe supplements or therapies to treat and control the majority of hormonal imbalances. We also encourage that you connect with your regular doctor about any changes in your health and moods.