What tends to affect women’s sex drive? It can fluctuate up and down with the years, although women’s sex drive tends to be affected by circumstances occurring in their lives, or hormonal changes in the body–such as those caused by pregnancy or menopause.

Fluctuating sex drive is normal. But if lack of sex drive becomes chronic and causes problems for the individual, the individual might have hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Do I Have Hypoactive Sexual Disorder?

Symptoms might include not having any desire for any type of sexual activity. This includes masturbation. The individual may find they no longer fantasize.

What can cause the HSDD? The pathologies range from physical to psychological. For example, if sex is painful or achieving orgasm is difficult, this will obviously reduce desire for sex. But nonsexual diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, or cancer can all reduce sex drive.

Simple fatigue, as well, can reduce sex drive.

Hormonal Causes of Low Sex Drive

Women go through many hormonal changes in their life. All women eventually go through menopause, where estrogen levels drop. When estrogen levels drop, this can make sex painful or uncomfortable. It’s normal for libido to drop during this period.

Pregnancy, meanwhile, is an event many women go through. The difficulties of raising a child can cause a lack of interest in sex, even without considering all the hormonal changes a woman goes through.

Finally, any number of psychological issues can cause a reduction in sex drive. If the individual suffers from mental illness such as anxiety or depression, libido might suffer. Low self-esteem or body image issues can also make sex psychologically uncomfortable.

Relationship issues can also damper sexuality, insofar as intimacy is sometimes a prerequisite for arousal for some women.

Want to know more about treating low sex drive? Call or email The Menopause Center today to schedule your appointment.