There is no golden rule to a “normal libido” - it can vary greatly from one person to another. It is all dependent on various factors.
When it comes to libido—often described as passion, desire, or simply the urge—it’s essential to understand that there is no universal standard. What’s considered “normal” varies significantly between individuals and can be influenced by a range of factors.
Libido
Desire for sex is based on a complex mix of many things that affect intimacy. These factors include:
- Physical and emotional well-being.
- Experiences.
- Beliefs.
- Lifestyle.
- Your current relationship.
- Hormones
What are the main sex hormones responsible for libido?
- Oestrogen – regulates cycle, fertility, bone health and more.
- Progesterone – supports fertility, regulates cycle, can assist with the production of GABA, our relaxing hormone.
- Testosterone – Muscle tone, bone health, vitality and mood.
Causes of low libido
Low libido is more common than high libido. There are so many factors that can impact libido, which can be physical, psychological, or caused by external factors or lifestyle. Some of the main causes of low libido include:
- Medications used to treat anxiety or depression
- Aging, as libido levels typically decrease for everyone as we get older
- Low self-esteem
- Increased stress
- Anxiety
- Sexual problems like erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
- Mental health issues
- Relationship problems
- Birth Control
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Recreational drug use, smoking, and alcohol.
Women's hormones can also influence arousal. Depending on your menstrual cycle, you may notice a difference in your arousal frequency. Usually, the days approaching ovulation (around day 14), our desire for sex is at its highest. A higher oestrogen level typically means a higher level of sexual desire.
When oestrogen levels dip towards the end of the cycle this can cause a slump in desire.
Women on hormonal birth control are unlikely to experience the same hormonal fluctuations in their libido as synthetic hormones in birth control work to prevent ovulation. Some women do not notice any changes to their libido; however, some women find this to be a side effect.
If you are looking at a cause for your low libido, it may be worth investigating your hormones to ensure that they are balanced. Naturopaths can use some wonderful herbs to get that Va Va Voom feeling back!
Book in with one of our expert Naturopaths here.
