Libido, Loss of

Causes

Sexual dysfunction and loss of libido are common in the following scenarios.

• Age-Related

  As we age, we have lower estrogen and testosterone levels. This can be treated safely and effectively by holistic physicians using bioidentical hormones — in both men and women.

• Chronic Pain

  Pain can cause a low testosterone level, as can treatment with codeine/narcotics.

• Depression

  Depression can cause low libido, and it is important to be able to talk about your feelings with your doctor and family.

• Anti-Depressants

  Anti-depressants like Prozac can frequently cause severe loss of libido and sexual dysfunction.

• Being Unhappy

  Being unhappy in general or in your relationship or how you feel about how you look can decrease libido.

• CFS or FMS

  Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cause loss of libido in 73% of cases.

Treatment

• Therapies & Advice

  • Treat Low Testosterone

    If your testosterone level is in the lowest 30% of the normal range, consider treatment.

    Checking testosterone levels is appropriate in anyone, both male and female, with sexual dysfunction — especially in the presence of chronic pain.

    Your doctor will say the result is fine if it’s in the normal range (i.e., not in the lowest 2 % of the population), but this may still be the cause (see the problem with lab tests).

    Testosterone (1-4 mg a day — keep in the mid part of the normal range) can also help loss of libido in women.

    Topical Testosterone

    When treating for low testosterone, use natural topical testosterone instead of synthetics. In men, natural prescription testosterone (Androgel or Testim) can be applied to the skin twice daily for a total daily dose of 50-100 mg. Testosterone cream can also be made much less expensively by compounding pharmacists.

    In men with low or low-normal testosterone who also had angina, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes, repeated studies have shown improvement in all 3 conditions when natural testosterone was used — and no increase in prostate cancer.

  • Check Your Antidepressants

    Antidepressants are a major cause of loss of libido (and inability to orgasm). See Depression for effective natural alternatives, so you can come off your antidepressant and get your sex life back.

    If you do need a depression medication, Wellbutrin, trazodone, or Remeron do not seem to cause the sexual dysfunction caused by other anti-depressants.

  • Read The Book

    For more information, see the book Pain Free 1-2-3.

• Recommended Supplements

  • Rhodiola

    Rhodiola may reduce premature ejaculation and boost sexual desire in both men and women. Rhodiola also seems to revive sexual energy, provide increased pleasure, improve erections, and intensify orgasms, allowing for more satisfying sex.

  • Ginseng, Ginkgo, Maca, and Horny Goat Weed

    These may also help in restoring sexual desire and function in both men and women.

  • Specific Treatment for Women

    The following combination is recommended for women:

    • Maca root extract 400-800 mg/day
    • Rhodiola rosea extract 150-300 mg/day
    • Ashwagandha root extract 250-500 mg/day
    • Siberian ginseng extract 150-300 mg/day
    • Ginkgo biloba extract 50-240 mg/day
    • Diindolymethane (DIM) 100-200 mg/day
    • Macuna pruriens extract (15% L-dopa) 100-200 mg/day

    These can be tried individually, or many of these can be found in combination in “Desire” by Ultraceuticals or “Hot Plants — For Her” by Enzymatic Therapy.

  • Specific Treatment for Men

    The following combination is recommended for men:

    • Maca root extract 400-800 mg/day
    • Rhodiola rosea extract 150-300 mg/day
    • Epimedium extract 100-200 mg/day
    • Longjack extract 50-100 mg/day
    • Panax ginseng 100-200 mg/day
    • Ginkgo biloba extract 50-240 mg/day
    • Diindolymethane (DIM) 100-200 mg/day
    • Macuna pruriens extract (15% L-dopa) 50-200 mg/day
    • Tribulus terrestris extract 100-200 mg/day

    These can be tried individually, or many of these can be found in combination in “Potency Plus” by Ultraceuticals or “Hot Plants — For Him” by Enzymatic Therapy.

More Information Online

• Can Testosterone Be Good for You?
• Eliminate Depression - Naturally!
• Enzymatic Therapy (more info on "Hot Plants" supplements)