What is low libido?

Low libido is sometimes called Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). While it’s entirely normal for sexual desire to fluctuate, women with HSDD will usually experience a lack of sexual desire for six months or more.

Common conditions and physical causes of low libido or HSDD can include:

• Arthritis
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Decreased oestrogen and/or testosterone levels (usually in menopause)
• Hormonal changes during or after pregnancy
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Hormonal contraception
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Taking certain medications that affect sex drive

Certain medicines can negatively affect sex drive including certain antidepressants for example. However, please do not stop taking antidepressants without a doctor’s approval. Emotional causes of HSDD include having a history of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or trust issues within a relationship.

Lifestyle changes help improve libido

Ensure that you are:

• exercising regularly[i]
• avoiding substances which can affect sexual desire, like tobacco[ii] and alcohol[iii]
• practising stress-relieving techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation etc.[iv]

Dietary suggestions for low libido

Increasing certain foods in your diet can provide you with nutrients to boost your libido:

• Nuts like peanuts, walnuts, and pistachios are great for libido in women because they contain the amino acid L-arginine which is proven to boost nitric oxide levels and blood flow, which can increase sex drive[v].
• Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc to boost your libido, they are also rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and zinc to help improve your libido[vi].
• Avocados contain folic acid and Vitamin B6 which boost energy levels and support hormones for a healthy libido[vii].
• Chocolate is a known aphrodisiac that contains PEA (phenylethylamine) which also helps to boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain[viii].
• Oysters: These natural aphrodisiacs contain D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate which are two amino acids which support healthy testosterone levels[ix].

Supplements suggestions for low libido

Love Potion by The Organic Pharmacy: is a tincture which combines the powerful libido boosting extracts of Damiana, Oats, Schisandra, Ginseng and Maca[x].

Maca Root 500mg - Organic: Recent studies found maca led to significant improvement in sexual functioning in postmenopausal women[xi].

Womankind Premenstrual: Containing vitamin B6 and Shatavari to promote energy and support the nervous system, psychological function as well as regulating of hormonal activity.

Cordyceps Mushroom 500mg - Organic: There is a growing body of evidence that shows cordyceps supplementation improves sex drive in women[xii].

Organic Fermented Ashwagandha: Research supports use of ashwagandha, in one study women who took a dose of the plant ashwagandha every day over a month saw significant improvements in sexual arousal[xiii].

Wholistic Shatavari: Shatavari is the most popular Ayurvedic herb used for the menopausal transition, infact, shatavari is most famous for its libido-enhancing effects[xiv].

Zinc 15mg: The use of zinc supplementation has been shown to significantly improve sexual desire and arousal[xv].

Testing suggestion for low libido

DUTCH test: this dried urine test looks at your hormone levels and their metabolites. This would be the go-to for working out hormonal issues. It includes sex hormones, cortisol and DHEA which helps to evaluate stress levels felt throughout the day which may be contributing to your symptoms.