Not Interested in Sex? How Your Diet Can Affect Libido Loss

What Is Libido Loss?

Libido is another term for sexual desire. When this desire temporarily or permanently fades, it’s called libido loss. This is not about physical dysfunctions like vaginal cramps or erectile problems, but rather a lack of interest in sexual activities.

Whether this libido loss becomes a problem depends on the individual’s situation. Some people don’t feel sexual desire and are completely comfortable with it—this is known as asexuality. However, for many others, sexuality is a vital part of life, and a drop in sexual interest can lead to significant distress. In such cases, professionals refer to it as hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Keep in mind: Libido, or sexual desire, is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. On a biological level, libido is driven by hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, which are present in varying amounts in both men and women. These hormones act on the brain, particularly on the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and drives. Psychologically, libido can be affected by stress, emotional connections, experiences, or self-esteem. Social context—such as the quality of relationships or cultural norms—also plays a key role. All of these factors work together to determine how strong or weak one's sexual desire may be.

What Causes Libido Loss in Women and Men?

Sexual desire is the result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and individual factors. Nerves, hormone glands, and blood vessels are just as involved as the mind. Similarly, when sexual desire is lost, it can stem from a combination of physical and psychological causes.

Common physical causes of libido loss include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Increased levels of prolactin, a hormone that dampens sexual desire
• Imbalances in the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain
• Side effects of certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, tranquilisers, neuroleptics, blood pressure medications)

Common psychological causes of libido loss include:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Chronic stress
• Low self-esteem
• Negative sexual upbringing
• Past traumatic experiences

Libido Loss in Women: Common Causes and Solutions

In addition to the general causes of libido loss, women may face specific triggers that affect sexual desire.

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause: These life stages often lead to a hormonally-driven reduction in libido.
• Ovariectomy: Women who have had their ovaries removed often experience significant libido loss.
• The contraceptive pill: Studies suggest that hormonal contraceptives can decrease sexual desire. There are indications that this effect may persist even after discontinuing the pill.
• Adrenal insufficiency: A dysfunction of the adrenal glands, which produce hormones, can also impact libido.

All these factors lead to a reduction in testosterone levels, a hormone that, according to current research, plays a crucial role in sexual desire for women as well. Testosterone, which is produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries, acts as a natural libido booster.

What can you do about libido loss?

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Relax and give your body time to adjust. These phases demand a lot from you, and your libido will return when your body is ready.
• Contraceptive pill: Not all birth control pills affect testosterone levels equally. If you're experiencing libido issues, it might be worth switching to a different pill or a non-hormonal contraceptive method.
• Ovariectomy: Standard oestrogen treatment can be supplemented with a testosterone patch to help with libido. Make sure to discuss potential risks and side effects with your healthcare provider.

If no physical cause can be identified or hormonal regulation doesn’t improve things, psychotherapy or sexual therapy may be helpful. These therapies can address internal barriers, help overcome anxiety and shame, and encourage a deeper connection with your body.

Libido Loss in Menopause: What Can You Do?

Along with typical menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, a decrease in sexual interest often occurs during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy with oestrogen doesn’t usually have a direct effect on libido, but it can alleviate other physical and psychological symptoms of menopause. By improving general wellbeing, it can indirectly benefit sexual desire. However, due to the increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, long-term hormone treatment is generally discouraged today.

Another crucial factor in menopausal libido loss is psychological wellbeing. Anything that helps you feel relaxed and at ease in your body will support your libido. Regular exercise and a healthy diet play a surprisingly significant role in enhancing physical wellbeing and boosting self-esteem.

Libido Loss in Men: Causes and Treatment Options

When men experience a drop in sexual desire, testosterone deficiency is often seen as the culprit. While age can be a factor, lifestyle and diet are equally important. Being overweight is a major risk factor for early testosterone deficiency, but losing weight and getting more exercise can often help. For men with diabetes, low testosterone levels can exacerbate the problem. Research shows that adopting a more active lifestyle not only improves body confidence but also boosts testosterone levels.

In addition to natural methods, testosterone replacement therapy may be considered. This involves applying a hormone gel to the skin. However, it’s essential to consult a doctor to carefully weigh the risks and side effects before starting this treatment.

Libido Loss and Diet: Which Nutrients Support Libido?

Foods like figs, chilli, oysters, caviar, and champagne are often seen as aphrodisiacs. However, it’s unclear whether their effects are due to their ingredients or psychological factors. If you’re already struggling to get in the mood, a spoonful of caviar is unlikely to do the trick.

For both women and men, a testosterone boost might help with libido loss. Certain nutrients can support testosterone levels and have long-term positive effects on libido:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• Aspartic acid
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Additionally, several medicinal plants have been shown in scientific studies to act as natural testosterone boosters:

• Fenugreek
• Ashwagandha
• Red ginseng
• Coleus forskohlii

Some other popular remedies, like maca root, have not shown significant effects on libido in studies.