Written by our registered naturopath, Lucy Fitzgibbons.
Low libido is probably one of the most common complaints I hear from clients. It rarely presents as the only symptom in an otherwise healthy person, because low libido has a root cause. Your libido is connected to your physical, mental and emotional health.
Common root causes
Physical: hormonal imbalance, post-childbirth or menopause, thyroid problems, poor sleep, chronic health conditions, certain medications (hormonal contraceptives, anti-depressants), nutrient deficiency, fatigue, and lifestyle factors like alcohol, smoking, poor diet, and over- or under-exercising.
Mental: stress, conflict, low mood, anxiety, and a history of trauma.
Emotional: self-esteem, body image, and your relationship with your partner.
What you can do
First, map a timeline of when you noticed your sex drive dwindling. Second, identify what might have coincided, did stress ramp up, did you stop exercising, start a new medication, change your diet? Third, address the root cause, often through diet and lifestyle, ideally with a practitioner (naturopath, nutritionist, sexologist, counsellor, or GP).
Fourth, nail the basics, the Flirty Five:
- 8 hours of sleep
- 20 minutes of sunshine
- 30 minutes of exercise
- 2 pieces of fruit and 5 handfuls of veggies a day
- 2 to 3L of water
Herbal helpers
Herbal medicine can be fantastic for raising libido. A few natural aphrodisiacs include shatavari, damiana, and cordyceps, an all-rounder also known for supporting energy, recovery and liver function. If you're unsure whether herbal medicine is right for you, seek guidance from your health practitioner.
Lucy is a certified, registered naturopath based in NSW, Australia, passionate about helping people with libido and fertility through safe, effective, holistic treatments.