Men typically experience their peak libido during their late teens to early 20s. However, it begins to decrease as they enter their 30s as testosterone levels drop.
Women may experience a change in their libido later than men, with most experiencing the decline during their 40s and 50s. This is due to a variety of factors, such as falling estrogen levels, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is the sex hormone associated with males, though females also have small amounts of it. This hormone is responsible for regulating bone mass, muscle mass, and fat distribution as well as sex drive and arousal. Testosterone levels decrease with aging, and this can lead to erectile dysfunction and a drop in libido.
Testosterone levels can also be affected by certain medications and health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Testosterone is produced in the testicles, but it can also be influenced by tumors and disorders of the pituitary gland.
Testosterone is essential for a variety of functions, and it’s important that men maintain healthy levels throughout their lives. However, a man’s libido is not directly related to testosterone, and even men who have low testosterone can still experience a loss of desire. Identifying the cause of a low libido is the first step to addressing the issue and improving it. It’s worth discussing with a doctor to determine whether any changes in medication or health conditions may be contributing.
Lifestyle
A person’s lifestyle can play a major role in his or her sexual desire. Certain lifestyle factors such as a lack of exercise can negatively affect testosterone levels and libido. In addition, chronic stress can increase cortisol levels and suppress libido. Overuse of alcohol and recreational drugs also can reduce a person’s libido.
Many women experience a decrease in their sex drive during menopause, due to changing hormone levels. Taking estrogen and progestin supplements can help restore a woman’s libido.
A diet low in vitamins and minerals can also impact a person’s libido. Consuming foods rich in zinc and other nutrients can boost libido. Women can get these nutrients from foods such as crab, lobster, red meat and certain breakfast cereals.
Medications
Men’s libido tends to decline slowly over the decades, but it doesn’t have to end with a drop in regular sexual activity. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice your libido is decreasing, especially if it’s persistently low. They can help determine if this is a natural change, an underlying health condition or a side effect of your medications.
For instance, SSRI antidepressants may lower your testosterone levels and delay orgasm. If you’re taking this type of medication, you should consider switching to a different type or consulting with your doctor for further assistance. Men who are suffering from a loss of sexual desire also have the option to visit a psychosexual therapist for relationship counseling. The goal is to reconnect with your partner and build a stronger bond. This can often improve libido issues over time. The key is to be open with your doctor and work together. They can provide you with effective treatment options that will make your libido feel like it used to.
Mental Health
Sex is an important aspect of physical and emotional well-being, but it can be hard to get into a sexy mood when you’re stressed or worried. It’s also common for depression to affect sexual desire – it can feel like one of the first things that disappears when you have this condition.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can interfere with your libido by overshadowing it with intrusive thoughts, fears and compulsions. It can also cause you to avoid intimacy, which can lead to feelings of loneliness.
Certain medications can also interfere with your libido, including antidepressants and certain types of pain relievers. Talking with your doctor about the side effects of your medication is a good idea, as they may be able to change your dosage or prescribe you something different that will have a more positive impact on your libido. The same goes for anxiety. Getting regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, and eating a balanced diet can help, too.