A lowered libido is a common issue that affects approximately one out of every three women. If you feel like your sex drive has decreased, you’re not alone. The good news is there are several natural ways to get your passion back and boost libido. In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 reasons why libido drops in females along with actionable tips to turn it around.
Libido refers to your overall sexual desire and arousal. A healthy libido is important for experiencing satisfaction and intimacy with your partner. However, many factors can disrupt normal libido levels in women. Stress, hormonal changes, health conditions, and medications are just some of the potential causes. The great news is that simply making lifestyle adjustments and using natural supplements can often successfully increase low female libido. Continue reading to discover 8 science-backed methods to lift your sex drive and reignite the flames of passion.
Correct Hormonal Imbalances
One of the most common reasons for lowered libido is a hormonal imbalance. There are several key hormones that need to be balanced to maintain a healthy sex drive. These include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and prolactin. Getting your hormones tested can identify any deficiencies or imbalances contributing to your low libido.
In particular, optimizing your testosterone levels can be highly beneficial. Testosterone plays a vital role in libido and sexual function in both men and women. Your doctor may recommend bioidentical testosterone therapy delivered through creams, pills or pellets. Adaptogenic herbs like maca root and shatavari can also help gently boost testosterone levels.
Manage Stress and Cortisol
Chronic stress is disastrous for your sex drive. Cortisol is the main stress hormone that is elevated when you feel constantly stressed out. High cortisol levels activate the “fight or flight” response in your body. This switches off the “rest and digest” system that controls reproductive function.
Your body senses stress and interprets it as a threat. In this state, your libido diminishes since your body does not want to expend energy on reproduction. Testing your salivary cortisol levels can reveal if stress is tanking your sex drive. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and phosphatidylserine can help lower cortisol.
Improve Your Sleep Quality
Getting adequate deep restorative sleep is key for a healthy libido. Research reveals that poor sleep quality reduces sex drive and arousal. One reason is that lack of sleep decreases your melatonin levels. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates sleep/wake cycles. Studies demonstrate that melatonin therapy can significantly increase libido and sexual satisfaction.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a relaxing pre-bed routine and make your bedroom cooler and darker. Melatonin supplementation can also be very helpful. Start with a low dose of 1-3 mg before bedtime and increase if needed.
Take Libido-Enhancing Herbal Supplements
Certain herbs have been used for centuries to ignite sexual desire and passion. Known as aphrodisiacs, these herbs boost sex drive by improving hormone balance and blood flow. Maca, shatavari, damiana leaf, moringa, he shou wu and tongkat ali are some of the most powerful herbal aphrodisiacs.
Maca in particular is excellent for improving low female libido. A study on menopausal women given 3.5 grams of maca powder daily for 12 weeks showed large increases in sexual desire and arousal. For best results, use a concentrated liquid maca supplement. Combining maca with shatavari and damiana makes for a potent libido-enhancing blend. Refer to: Benefit of Maca Root.
Switch Prescription Medications
If your libido suddenly dropped after starting a new medication, this could be the culprit. Medications that commonly lower sex drive include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, and antacids. Speak with your doctor about switching to different prescriptions that have less impact on libido.
You can also counteract the effects of libido-lowering medicines with natural supplements. For instance, maca and shatavari can help reverse the sexual side effects of antidepressants. Always consult your physician before making any changes. Exploring alternative medication options can help restore normal libido.
Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic pain is a major contributor to low sex drive in women. Discomfort during intercourse understandably destroys libido. Common causes of pelvic pain include muscle weakness, nerve damage, vaginal dryness, endometriosis, and more. Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist is crucial for treating this issue.
Kegel exercises performed correctly can dramatically improve pelvic floor muscle function. This reduces pain and discomfort during sex. A high-quality vaginal lubricant like coconut oil can also minimize friction and irritation. Addressing pelvic pain helps pave the way for your libido to thrive once again.
Use Natural Lubrication
Vaginal dryness is another reason for decreased libido, especially after menopause. When the vagina is not properly lubricated, sex can be uncomfortable or even painful. This psychological association understandably dampens your enthusiasm for intercourse.
The best solution is to use a natural lubricant like coconut oil. Make sure to avoid petroleum-based lubes. Coconut oil moisturizes delicate tissue, reduces inflammation, and optimizes pH. It makes sex more pleasurable so your libido improves. You can also boost lubrication levels long-term by consuming foods with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Practice Nipple Stimulation
Surprisingly, stimulating your nipples can significantly increase sexual arousal and desire. Gentle nipple stimulation activates specific neurochemical pathways in the brain. This releases dopamine and oxytocin to boost libido.
Lightly massaging or circling the outer area of the areola and breast triggers sexual energy. This is thought to activate nerves that connect the breasts and genitals. Start by stimulating one breast at a time in a consistent pattern for 5-10 minutes daily. Over time, this can help reawaken your sexual energy and passion.
Conclusion
In summary, several natural remedies can ignite your libido so you feel more “in the mood” again. Correcting hormonal imbalances, reducing stress, improving sleep quality, taking libido-enhancing herbs, and treating pelvic floor dysfunction are highly effective. Additionally, using proper lubrication and practicing nipple stimulation activates pathways for boosting low female libido.
Commit to consistently implementing 2-3 of these tips for a minimum of 2-3 months. With patience and consistency, your sex drive will bounce back better than ever. Don’t hesitate to consult your physician if low libido persists despite making changes. Your doctor can check for any underlying health issues and advise further.