Sexual Health & Low Libido

Low libido refers to a decrease in sexual desire or interest in sexual activity. Sexual desire naturally varies throughout life and can be influenced by many factors, including stress, relationship satisfaction, sleep quality, mood, medications, medical conditions, hormonal changes, menopause, and pain with intercourse. A lower libido does not necessarily indicate a medical problem, particularly if it is not causing distress.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a specific medical condition characterized by a persistent lack of sexual desire that causes significant personal distress, frustration, or concern. HSDD is one of the most common forms of female sexual dysfunction. The diagnosis takes into account not only changes in desire, but also the impact those changes have on a woman's quality of life and relationships.

Low libido and HSDD are often multifactorial and may be influenced by physical, emotional, hormonal, and relationship factors. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying causes and may include lifestyle modifications, counseling, treatment of painful intercourse or vaginal dryness, hormone therapy, testosterone therapy in selected patients, and other individualized approaches.

• Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (ISSWSH)

• Podcasts:

  • Libido (Confessions of a Male Gynecologist)

  • Diving Deeper into HSDD (ASHA)

  • How do Female Sexual Difficulties Affect Relationships (ASHA)

  • Breathing New Life Into Your Sexual Relationship (ASHA)

• How Menopause Affects Sexuality (ISSWSH)

• Women's Sexual Health, Menopause & HRT (The Peter Attia Drive)
  
  

• Recommended Videos:

  • Tips to Natural Boost Libido in Menopause (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Managing Low Libido in Menopause (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Revive Your Sex Life After 50 (Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith)

Testosterone therapy may be considered for selected postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). While testosterone is not FDA-approved for this indication in the United States, several professional societies support its use in carefully selected patients after appropriate counseling regarding risks and benefits.

• Testosterone Use for HSDD in Postmenopausal Women (NAMS)

• Practice Guidelines for Use of Testosterone for HSDD in Women (ISSWSH)

• Testim Gel  Instructions (Dr. Harward Patient Guide)
  
  

• Podcast:

  • Low Testosterone (Confessions of a Male Gynecologist)

  • Hormone Pellets for Women (Confessions of a Male Gynecologist)
    
    

• Recommended Videos:

  • Understanding Low Testosterone Levels (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Testosterone Hormone Explained (Natalie Crawford, MD)

  • How to Use Testosterone Gel (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Hormone Pellet Injections (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • How to Wean Off Testosterone Pellets (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Why to Avoid Testosterone Pellets (Heather Hirsch, MD)