Low sex drive: Let’s be real: not everyone feels “in the mood” all the time, and that’s okay. A low sex drive (low libido) is common and can come and go. It’s worth paying attention only if it lingers, feels very different from your usual, or starts affecting your relationship or self-esteem.
What is libido?
It’s your sexual desire, shaped by your brain, hormones, body, emotions, stress, sleep, meds, and more. Some people naturally have a higher drive, others a lower one; both are normal. It becomes a concern when there’s a noticeable drop from your baseline, or it’s distressing for you or your partner.
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Is low libido normal?
Yes, sometimes your sex drive dips, and that’s completely normal. Stress, fatigue, busy schedules, meds, hormones, and mood can all turn the dial down for a while. It’s more like a bad night’s sleep: occasional and nothing to worry about.
It’s worth a closer look when the change is persistent, bothers you, or strains your relationship. That’s your cue to explore what’s driving it and consider a chat with a clinician or therapist.
What are the causes of low libido?
Stress, hormones, and mental health can influence your sex drive. When your mind is preoccupied with work, money, family, or everyday worries, cortisol rises and can blunt the hormones that support arousal.
Hormonal shifts (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone) also influence desire. Menopause, the postpartum period, thyroid problems, or certain contraceptives can lower libido.
Mood and desire are tightly linked, too. Depression and anxiety can dampen interest, and some antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines list reduced libido as a side effect.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your low libido has persisted for more than a few weeks.
- It bothers you or strains your relationship.
- There’s a sudden drop in desire without a clear reason.
- Sex is painful, or erections are consistently difficult.
- You have other symptoms like low mood, sleeplessness, and weight changes.
- You recently started or stopped a medication and noticed a change.
How to fix low libido?
Prioritise good sleep, regular exercise, and practice stress-reduction techniques. Minimise alcohol and nicotine; address pain or dryness with quality lubricants. Book a medical check-in to review medicines that can lower desire, screen for thyroid, iron, and hormone issues.
Add mental health or sex therapy to ease performance worry, low mood, or mismatched desire, and keep communication with your partner open and low-pressure.
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Low libido is common and usually fixable. If it’s persistent or distressing, talk to a clinician or therapist.