How to Change Your Sleep Habits for Better Health
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When to Worry about Low Libido
If you’re struggling with a low libido, you’re not alone. As many as 1 in 3 women between the ages of 30 and 59 struggle with loss of sex drive, while 1 out of every 20 men report low libido. A low libido can be frustrating for both you and your partner, but you’re not stuck with it forever.
That’s where Dr. Christopher Riegel and our team at The Riegel Center in Plano, Texas, come into the picture. Dr. Riegel creates custom treatment plans for both men and women to help restore your sexual function and improve your libido.
Here’s a closer look at the potential causes of low libido and when to worry about it.
What causes low libido?
Low libido, or a decreased interest in sexual activity, is a complex issue and can have various causes. It's often influenced by a combination of physical, psychological, and interpersonal factors, such as:
Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations can cause libido issues for both men and women. For women, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy (especially during the first trimester), breastfeeding, or menopause can contribute to decreased libido, while low testosterone or andropause can affect men.
Underlying medical conditions and medications
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and chronic illnesses, can affect your sexual desire. Mental health conditions, notably depression and anxiety, can also zap your libido.
Not only do some medical conditions affect your libido, but so do medications. Medications that may impact your libido include:
- Antidepressants
- Antihypertensives
- Certain birth control pills (ones that lower your testosterone levels)
Never alter or discontinue your medication unless directed to do so by your prescribing provider. If you suspect that a condition or medication is impacting your libido, let Dr. Riegel know.
Relationship issues
Sometimes the issue isn’t related to your physical health. Past traumas or relationship issues (with your current partner or with past partners) may also be contributing factors. In these cases, you may benefit from talk therapy, couple’s counseling, or even sex therapy to move past any issues.
High stress levels and chronic fatigue
High levels of stress, whether related to work, finances, or personal issues, can contribute to low libido. Fatigue and lack of sleep can also play a role.
Body image concerns
Negative body image or low self-esteem can affect sexual confidence and desire. This can affect both men and women.
Lifestyle factors
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol or drug use, can contribute to low libido.
When to worry about low libido
If your sex drive isn’t quite up to par lately, you might not have to worry. It could just be a normal ebb and flow in your relationship that improves with sleep, reconnection with your partner, and open communication.
However, you might consider talking about low libido with Dr. Riegel if:
It’s becoming chronic
If you’ve already tried reducing your stress levels, improving your sleep, and talking to your partner but still aren’t satisfied, don’t brush it off. Dr. Riegel can help pinpoint the source of your low libido and help craft a plan to get it back on track.
It’s impacting your relationship and your mental wellness
Your sexual health is part of your overall health, and a chronic low libido can potentially impact your relationship, affect your mood, and impact your mental wellness.
It’s a warning sign of another condition
If you suspect that your low libido is caused by an underlying condition, don’t brush it off. The only way to know for sure is to get your hormone levels tested and talk to Dr. Riegel.
Get the custom treatment you need
There are many reasons why your libido may be low, so it makes sense that there are many potential ways to improve it. Dr. Riegel adopts a multifaceted approach that looks at low libido from multiple angles. Your potential treatments may include sleep management, hormone testing via LabCorp®, and hormone replacement therapy. Women may also benefit from vaginal inserts.
In addition to sleep management and hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Riegel provides guidance with lifestyle changes that may benefit you the most. This includes exercise plans, dietary modifications, and stress management tips.
If you’d like to explore your low libido treatment options, call or click to schedule a consultation here in Plano, Texas.
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