Today’s hot topic: Low libido… is it common? You may be happy to know you’re not alone the more you speak with other women. However, the truth is it can be common…but no, it’s not normal to have a very low sex drive.
It can be frustrating and may strain relationships, leading to decreased self-confidence or affecting healthy communication between partners.
While many women attribute their low libido to being too busy or tired from being so busy, it’s important to recognize that underlying physiological factors are often at play.
This is not to say you should have this desire every day, but if you’re going longer than a month without this desire, your body may be trying to tell you something is off.
In this blog post, we will explore six potential culprits behind low libido, shedding light on why it happens and offering strategies to regain a happier and more fulfilling intimate life.
Blood Sugar Dysregulation
Blood sugar dysregulation, or dysglycemia, is when you have too high or too low blood sugar levels.
The problem? High insulin levels can tell the ovaries to make more testosterone and lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dumping estrogen in your system and can lead to excess estrogen.
Your blood sugar levels are very important to maintaining a healthy balance in your body.
What are some causes that are throwing your blood sugar levels off?
Not Eating Enough
Your body requires sufficient calories to maintain hormone production and balance.
Sometimes we’re so busy we forget to eat, or we think skipping meals will help us get the body we want. But beware. This comes with consequences.
When you don’t eat enough, it can disrupt your blood sugar levels, potentially affecting your libido.
Please be sure that you are nourishing your body adequately with a proper diet!
Poor Quality of Food
Trust me; I know how convenient and yummy fast food can be!
But remember, consuming highly processed foods lacking essential nutrients can contribute to blood sugar imbalances.
Opt for a balanced diet with whole, nutrient-dense foods to support your hormonal health and enhance your sexual desire.
Gut Imbalance
Surprisingly, gut health plays a vital role in hormonal regulation, including libido-related ones.
Prioritize gut-friendly foods and consider incorporating probiotics in the form of fermented foods to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Estrogen Toxins: Disturbing the Hormonal Harmony
Not only must we be aware of what’s causing us harm from the inside of our bodies, but what we are being exposed to on the outside might also be culprits.
Exposure to estrogen-like toxins (endocrine disruptors) in our environment can disrupt the delicate balance of our hormones, potentially affecting libido.
Minimize exposure to chemicals and toxins by opting for organic produce, using natural personal care products, and avoiding synthetic hormone disruptors.
Beware of toxins such as:
- Pesticides
- Plastics
- Pollutions
- BPA
Chronic Stress
Yes, we all have stress. This could be triggered by work, classes, family problems…etc.
But chronic stress day after day, week after week, month after month, even years of unrelenting stress can wreak havoc on our hormones.
Chronic stress triggers the production of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can throw your hormonal balance off track and set your body in “survival mode.”
These are the hormones released when your body thinks it’s in extreme danger. Prolonged stress diverts your body’s resources away from non-essential functions, such as sexual desire, as it focuses on coping with stressors.
Explore stress-management techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation to promote hormonal equilibrium.
Prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Low-Fat Diets
Here’s a fact you probably didn’t know…sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone are derived from cholesterol.
So not having enough healthy fats in your diet can directly correlate to insufficient raw material to make the hormones we need to have hormonal balance.
Some of these trending restrictive low-fat diets may unintentionally hinder hormone production, potentially affecting your libido.
Include healthy fats from sources like animal-based products, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil to support hormonal balance.
Birth Control and Hormonal Imbalances
Every woman’s body reacts differently to their form of birth control. Some women can be on hormonal birth control for years, and some immediately find a different form when they don’t like what it does to their bodies.
Some forms of birth control prevent ovulation, which can be harmful because ovulation helps our body produce progesterone. Skipping ovulation throws our bodies off balance, allowing estrogen to become dominant and potentially reducing sexual desire.
Explore non-hormonal birth control alternatives or discuss hormone-balancing strategies with your healthcare provider.
The Salt Paradox
A common misconception is that a low-sodium diet is best for us. But let’s not forget how important of a role salt plays in our health.
We need salt; it helps properly balance the minerals in our bodies.
It also has been proven to calm down the stress response in the body and adrenal function by suppressing stress hormones like cortisol that are released during psychological stress.
Of course, you still need to be balanced with your salt intake. Be sure to include high-quality, mineral-rich salts in moderation, and listen to your body’s needs.
Get Your Libido Back Where You Want It
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
With awareness, support, and proactive steps, women can reclaim their sexual vitality and enjoy a fulfilling and vibrant intimate life.
Let’s embrace our uniqueness and prioritize our sexual health, ensuring a more joyful and satisfying experience for ourselves and our loved ones. You deserve a vibrant and fulfilling intimate life, and by taking the necessary steps, you can regain your sexual vitality and rediscover the pleasure that awaits you.
Check out my latest podcast to learn more about why you shouldn’t fall for the misconceptions about low libido.
Hey there, I’m Kari!
As a Pharmacist and Integrative Health Practitioner, I get the privilege of working with women who are struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, painful cycles, digestive issues, and irritability- all of which have become their norm. And they are struggling just to keep up, simply wanting their health back.
I know what it’s like to feel frustrated and left with the same issues, even after spending time, energy & money thinking I’d found the answer.
With the right support, a proven method, and the Lord as our guide, let’s get your health back so you can run the race set before you with perseverance and joy.
So thankful you found your way here!
