Libido, or sexual desire, is a complex interplay of hormones, neurotransmitters, and overall health. While many factors influence sexual desire, one of the most significant is hormonal balance. When key hormones are out of sync, libido often declines, leaving both men and women frustrated and confused about why their desire has diminished. Contact our Tolland CT chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

Uncovering the root causes of low libido rather than just treating symptoms is key. By addressing hormonal imbalances, underlying metabolic dysfunction, and lifestyle factors, it’s possible to restore a healthy sex drive and overall well-being.

Let’s dive in!

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Signs and Symptoms of Hormone-Related Low Libido

Low libido due to hormonal imbalances often presents alongside other symptoms. Understanding these signs can help identify the root cause:

• Low Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for libido in both sexes. Symptoms of low testosterone include reduced motivation, fatigue, difficulty building muscle, and increased body fat. Men may experience erectile dysfunction, while women might notice vaginal dryness and a lack of arousal. Low testosterone can also contribute to depression and brain fog, further reducing sexual interest.
• Estrogen Imbalance: Both low and high estrogen can impact libido in women. Low estrogen is often associated with perimenopause and menopause, leading to vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and mood changes. High estrogen (estrogen dominance) can result in heavy periods, bloating, and irritability. Estrogen also plays a key role in increasing blood flow to sexual organs, so imbalances can lead to decreased sensation and arousal.
• Progesterone Deficiency: This hormone plays a role in balancing estrogen levels. Low progesterone can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood swings, which indirectly contribute to a diminished sex drive. It also works with estrogen to regulate dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that influence pleasure and emotional well-being.
• Cortisol Dysregulation: Chronic stress leads to high cortisol, suppressing sex hormone production. Symptoms include weight gain (especially around the midsection), brain fog, poor sleep, and low energy—factors that significantly impact libido. Over time, high cortisol can lead to adrenal fatigue, further reducing hormone production and sexual desire.
• Thyroid Dysfunction: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to decreased libido. Hypothyroidism often causes fatigue, weight gain, and depression, while hyperthyroidism can result in anxiety and rapid weight loss. The thyroid regulates metabolism and energy levels, so dysfunction can lead to sluggishness and a lack of interest in intimacy.
• Insulin Resistance: Poor blood sugar regulation contributes to inflammation, hormone imbalance, and weight gain—all of which negatively impact libido. Elevated insulin can suppress sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), leading to increased estrogen in men and reduced testosterone in women, both of which negatively affect sexual desire.

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Natural Strategies to Enhance Libido In Tolland CT

Restoring a healthy sex drive requires a comprehensive approach. Here’s how to support the key libido-enhancing hormones:

1. Optimize Testosterone Naturally
2. Balance Estrogen & Progesterone
3. Regulate Cortisol and Stress Levels
4. Support Thyroid Function
5. Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Low libido isn’t just a result of aging - it’s a sign that something in the body is out of balance. By addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and implementing targeted lifestyle changes, it’s possible to restore a vibrant sex drive and overall well-being.

If you struggle with persistent low libido, consider functional testing for hormonal imbalances and begin incorporating nutrient-dense foods, stress management techniques, and hormone-supportive practices into daily life. I can help - schedule your complimentary 15-minute Functional Medicine Consultation today!

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References

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• Davidson JM, Chen JJ, Crapo L, Gray GD, Greenleaf WJ, Catania JA. Hormonal changes and sexual function in aging men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1983 Jul;57(1):71-7. doi: 10.1210/jcem-57-1-71. PMID: 6602143.
• Santoro N, Worsley R, Miller KK, Parish SJ, Davis SR. Role of Estrogens and Estrogen-Like Compounds in Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction. J Sex Med. 2016 Mar;13(3):305-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.11.015. PMID: 26944462.
• Hamilton LD, Rellini AH, Meston CM. Cortisol, sexual arousal, and affect in response to sexual stimuli. J Sex Med. 2008 Sep;5(9):2111-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00922.x. Epub 2008 Jul 4. Erratum in: J Sex Med. 2008 Nov;5(11):2735. Erratum in: J Sex Med. 2010 Nov;7(11):3803. PMID: 18624961; PMCID: PMC2703719.
• Mathis Grossmann, Merlin C. Thomas, Sianna Panagiotopoulos, Ken Sharpe, Richard J. MacIsaac, Sophie Clarke, Jeffrey D. Zajac, George Jerums, Low Testosterone Levels Are Common and Associated with Insulin Resistance in Men with Diabetes, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 93, Issue 5, 1 May 2008, Pages 1834–1840, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2007-2177
• Anastasiadis AG, Davis AR, Salomon L, Burchardt M, Shabsigh R. Hormonal factors in female sexual dysfunction. Curr Opin Urol. 2002 Nov;12(6):503-7. doi: 10.1097/00042307-200211000-00011. PMID: 12409881.