Your sex hormone levels start dropping at 30, and by the time you are 40, they are usually half of what they were in your 20s. This change can cause uncomfortable symptoms like depressed mood and low libido. The latter, in particular, can significantly affect your romantic relationships. Despite your best intentions to make things work, a decreased interest in sex can cause strife between you and your romantic partner. Fortunately, you do not have to live with this symptom of low hormone levels. Esteemed Plano low libido specialists provide multiple treatments to help restore your libido. Here is a look at the most common options you and your doctor may consider.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a treatment designed to replenish your hormone levels through natural or synthetic hormones. HRT is available for both men and women, where it is used to address menopause symptoms and low testosterone levels in the former. For women, your doctor may administer estrogen only through estrogen therapy or a combination of hormones through estrogen-progesterone/progestin hormone therapy (EPT). HRT for men involves only testosterone replacement, which may be done through patches, injections, creams, or pills. Increased testosterone and estrogen levels can increase your libido and eliminate related symptoms like pain during sex (for women).
Psychotherapy
Sometimes, low libido is caused by psychological problems best addressed through therapy. Depending on the situation, your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, where you discuss unhealthy behaviors, thoughts, and emotions with a trained professional. These sessions can also help you address any mental health conditions that could be affecting your libido. Alternatively, your doctor may perform couples therapy for you and your partner to help you address conflict and increase physical affection and intimacy. Some experts offer sex therapy to address sex-specific issues like low sexual desire.
Stress Management
Anxiety, work pressure, and everyday stressors can also affect your interest in sexual activity. When this is the case, your doctor may walk you through stress management techniques to help you respond better to stress. They may recommend forms of self-care like meditation, exercise, yoga, or journaling. When you are better able to handle stress, you may notice your interest in sex increase.
Lifestyle Changes
Most doctors include some form of lifestyle modification in every low-libido treatment regimen. In most cases, your provider may recommend that you eat a healthier, more balanced diet, limit your drug and alcohol intake, and exercise more. These changes, coupled with maintaining a healthy weight, can help you feel better overall and balance your testosterone levels.
Medication Changes
When the medications you are taking are to blame for your low libido, your doctor may enact some changes to your dosage or prescription. They can also help you better cope with the side effects of these medications in your sex life and relationships.
Is It Time to Discuss Low Libido with Your Doctor?
Low libido is more than a natural result of growing older – it can cause distress and strife in your romantic relationships. If you notice a decreased interest in sexual activity that is affecting your relationship, schedule a consultation with your provider. They can recommend several treatments and changes to address the problem and restore your love life. If you find the prospect of discussing your sex life with your doctor, remember that healthcare providers are trained to help you while protecting your privacy.
