6 Causes of Low Sex Drive in Women + Solutions to Increase Female Libido

 

Sex drive, or libido, is a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. When your sex drive is low, it can affect not only your intimate relationships but also your overall wellbeing. Understanding what low libido is, its causes, and how to address it can empower you to reclaim your sexual health and vitality…and hopefully have a little fun in the process! Remember, female arousal is often a process that's more about the journey than the destination.

What Does It Mean to Have a Low Sex Drive or Low Libido?

Low sex drive, also known as low libido, refers to a decreased interest or desire for sex or sexual activity. It's a common issue that most women experience at various stages of their lives. It’s important to remember that there is no “normal” level of libido, and that female arousal can vary greatly among individuals and throughout lifestages. What matters is your satisfaction and the impact it has on your life and relationships.

Why Is My Sex Drive Low?

There are a lot of different reasons for low sex drive in women! Hormonal imbalances, stress, relationship issues, medications and lack of sleep can all play a role. It’s essential to consider both physical and emotional factors when exploring the root causes. Identifying the underlying issue can help you find the most effective solutions for your particular situation.

What Are Some of the Causes of Low Libido or Low Sex Drive in Women?

1. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones play a crucial role in regulating libido. Changes in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels can significantly affect female arousal. Hormonal fluctuations due to your period, pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues can all contribute to decreased libido.
2. Stress and Mental Health: Stress, anxiety, and depression can take a toll on your sexual desire. That’s because emotional distress can disrupt the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate your libido.
3. Medications: Certain medications, including some antidepressants, birth control, and blood pressure meds, can have side effects that lower sex drive. If you think your medication is causing low libido, you may want to see if there’s an alternative that still works for you, but doesn’t have the side effect of diminishing your libido.
4. Relationship Issues: Problems in your relationship, such as lack of communication, unresolved conflicts, or trust issues, can all negatively impact your sexual desire. For many women, sexual arousal is way more about what’s happening in our heads than it is about physical stimulation. When things in our relationship are off, it can be a challenge to become aroused. 
5. Chronic Illness and Fatigue: Health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome can affect your overall energy levels and interest in sex. 
6. Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep can all contribute to a decrease in libido. Excessive alcohol and drug use can also affect female arousal. Making healthy choices in these areas may help you in the bedroom, too!

What Are Some of the Best Natural Libido Boosters for Women?

1. Exercise: Regular physical activity can enhance your energy levels, reduce stress, and improve your body image, all of which can boost your libido.
2. Diet & Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support hormone balance and overall health, enhancing your sex drive. If you can’t get what you need from diet alone, consider high quality supplements that contain ingredients shown to help with libido and sexual arousal (see below for details!).
3. Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve your mental health, which can in turn help to boost your libido.
4. Sleep: Ensuring you get enough restful sleep is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance and energy levels, which are essential for a healthy sex drive.

 

What Supplements Can Help Boost My Sex Drive?

Certain ingredients can act as libido boosting supplements for women, including these:

1. Saffron Extract: Saffron extract has been shown to improve sexual function and arousal in women by reducing stress and enhancing mood, which are key factors in maintaining a healthy libido .
2. Maca: Maca root is known for its hormone-balancing properties and can increase libido and sexual desire in women, particularly those experiencing hormonal imbalances or menopausal symptoms .
3. Damiana: Damiana is an herb traditionally used as an aphrodisiac that may help enhance sexual arousal and overall satisfaction by increasing blood flow and sensitivity in the genital area.
4. Horny Goat Weed: This herb contains icariin, a compound that helps boost libido by increasing blood flow to the genitals.
5. Niacin: Also known as vitamin B3, niacin improves blood circulation and energy levels, which may help to enhance sexual arousal and performance.
6. L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that supports the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which play a crucial role in mood regulation and sexual desire.
7. Lion's Mane: This medicinal mushroom is known for its cognitive and mood-enhancing properties, which can indirectly improve libido by reducing low mood and feelings of stress.
8. Lemon Balm: Lemon balm can have a calming effects that reduce feelings of anxiousness and stress. Being in a more relaxed state of mind can enhance sexual desire and arousal.

If you’re interested in supplements that contain these ingredients, you may want to consider Love Bites and Happy Her from Winged, which can be found here.

How Can I Quickly Increase My Libido?

While diet, nutrition, sleep and exercise can help put your body on a path to better sexual wellness, sometimes you want to make things happen right away. Here are a few ways to spice things up if you're looking to increase libido instantly:

 

1. Foreplay: Spending more time on foreplay can help increase arousal and make sex more enjoyable. Take your time and enjoy the lead-up to sex - or just play around without feeling like things have to end with intercourse. Like most things in life, enjoying the journey is where it’s at!
2. Open Communication: Talking openly with your partner about your desires and preferences can improve intimacy and enhance your sexual experience. When your partner knows what you like, it can make intimacy more relaxed and fun for both of you.
3. Erotic Content: If the usual things around working, consider reading erotic literature or watching romantic or sexual movies. Both can help stimulate your sexual desire and put you in a better mind for intimacy IRL. 
4. Masturbation: Going it alone can help improve low sex drive by increasing blood flow to the genital area, enhancing sexual arousal, and boosting overall sexual confidence. It also allows women to explore their bodies and understand their sexual preferences, which can lead to a more fulfilling and responsive sexual experience. And as an added bonus, the release of endorphins during masturbation can reduce stress and improve mood, further enhancing libido.
5. Lubrication: If dryness or pain are making sex uncomfortable due to vaginal dryness, then get some lube on board! Using a good quality lubricant can help reduce discomfort and enhance pleasure during sex. Just be sure what you’re using is safe with condoms or other birth control you may be using.