There can be many reasons for low libido, however, hormone deficiency is usually the root cause.
Recent surveys have found that more than 40% of women over the age of 30 experience “low libido” or decreased sexual desire. Furthermore, 85% of those women feel that decreases in sexual desire (or low sexual wellness) can have, or is having, a detrimental effect on their relationships.
What are the Effects of Hormone Deficiency?
The medical dictionaries define low libido or “hypoactive sexual desire disorder,” as “persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sex.” But you do not have to fit that criterion to be dissatisfied with your sex life or to seek help.
Just as in men, there can be a number of “lifestyle” issues that can influence decreased sexual desire in women, such as: smoking, alcohol abuse, diet, poor sleep, stress, anxiety, and certain medications. However, unlike men, the leading cause of low libido in women is due to hormone deficiency.
Hormone Therapy for Hormone Deficiency
Any significant change in your sex life, such as decreased desire, could be indicative of a more serious medical condition. If you find yourself experiencing a sudden change in libido, see your doctor.
If you are a woman over 35, it is very likely that your decrease in sexual desire, and/or other sexual wellness issues, such as vaginal dryness, or lack of stimulation, could be caused by your diminishing supply of hormones. But again, that can only be determined by your physician.
If low levels of female hormones are found to be at the root of your lack of libido, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy.
In my practice, I have found bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT to be very effective for the treatment of low libido in women.
It is a biological fact that as women age, hormone levels decrease, and with that reduction, we see many changes. Most women recognize these changes as “menopause.” But, you do not have to be of menopausal age or going through menopause to start to feel the effects of diminishing hormones.
Well before “hot flashes” and the other familiar symptoms of menopause occur, reduced levels of hormones can and do, lead to many sexual health issues for women.
Decreasing female hormones in women over 40 can lead to:
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased sensitivity
- Decreased ability to achieve orgasm
- Painful intercourse
- Decreased interest in sex or low libido
BHRT can help bring your hormones back into their optimal balance. As the name implies, BHRT only uses hormones that are “identical” to those produced by your own body. Unlike the synthetic hormones manufactured by the big pharmaceutical companies, bioidentical hormones are custom compounded from all natural sources. Bioidentical hormones are better recognized by your body, therefore they are the safest, and most effective means of hormone therapy currently available.
BHRT for women can be prescribed in a number of ways, designed to best meet your individual needs and lifestyle.
What are Alternative Treatments for Low Libido?
If you are not a candidate for BHRT, or if you are not sure you want to try it, even though recent studies have proven HRT to be perfectly safe, there are other alternative treatments for low libido available.
First of all, you should take measures to reduce stress, as stress can be at the root of many sexual wellness issues for both men and women. Certain exercises such as Kegels can help strengthen your pelvic muscles, which can make sex more enjoyable. There are also a number of vitamins and nutritional supplements that have been shown to increase libido in women. These include ginseng, maca root, and vitamins C and E.
And remember, you do not have to be over 40, or have a hormonal issue to experience low-libido. The stress of work, kids, and just everyday life can affect your sex life at any age!
For such women, I recommend a “vaginal rejuvenation” procedure known as the “O-shot.” The O-shot has been featured in the sexy movie, 50 Shades of Gray, and has been a part of the exclusive “goodie bag” given to Oscar Nominees since 2014!
The science behind the O-shot is Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP. PRP is made from your own blood, and it uses the healing factors within to increase blood flow and rejuvenate vaginal tissue. Women receiving the O-shot report immediate results, including greater sensitivity, improved lubrication, and easier to obtain and more frequent orgasms!
