How to get back to great pleasure

What is meant by loss of libido?

Sexual desire varies greatly from person to person. Some people want sex every day, while others are satisfied with once a week or even less often. It is also normal to have phases with little or no sexual desire.

Loss of libido, also called a sexual desire disorder or appetence disorder, is present when reduced sexual desire persists for at least six months or occurs repeatedly.

The exact origin and functioning of sexual desire are not yet fully understood, because the complex interaction of psyche, hormones and other metabolic factors is a complicated subject. What is clear is that hormones play a crucial role in regulating sexual desire. If desire declines already in young or middle age for unclear reasons, this is referred to as the “LSD syndrome”, where “LSD" (English "low sexual desire") stands for "low sexual desire".

How do hormones affect sexual desire?

An excess of serotonin can also lead to libido problems. According to many endocrinologists, the neuronal reward system involving serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline has a much greater influence on libido than the sex hormones alone. Serotonin acts as an antagonist to progesterone, which is regarded as a key hormone for libido. Women suffering from libido disorders therefore often have oestrogen dominance, i.e. progesterone levels are too low compared with oestrogen levels. 

Hormonal contraceptives are one of the most common causes of loss of libido. They disturb the hormonal balance, in particular the sex hormones and thyroid hormones. The testosterone level also falls on average by about one third when taking the pill, which can cause a loss of libido.

Which diseases can lead to reduced sexual desire?

Possible physical causes of loss of libido include hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, rheumatic diseases, urogynaecological and urological conditions, peri‑ and postmenopause, neurological disorders (such as stroke or multiple sclerosis), liver cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, cancer and pain during intercourse. 

For example, diabetes can cause sugar-related nerve or vascular damage that affects sexual desire. In liver cirrhosis liver tissue is lost and gradually replaced by scar and connective tissue, which can impair the correct synthesis of certain sex hormones. Disturbances in sex hormone production can also occur in renal insufficiency.

What else influences sexual desire?

It is also claimed that electromagnetic smog can damage the thyroid, as can ubiquitous fluoride exposure. Fluorides bind to the thyroid hormone thyroxine and neutralise its function. The consequence is symptoms of hypothyroidism, which can also contribute to loss of libido.

Mercury from amalgam fillings and other sources can not only accumulate in the thyroid but also migrate to the brain and act there as an aggressive hormone killer.

How do stress and psychological factors affect libido?

Above all, stress is the number one libido killer. Psychological trauma and unresolved emotional conflicts can reduce and block libido. Therefore, resolving these conflicts should be pursued. 

Possible psychosocial causes of loss of libido also include anxiety disorders and depressive illnesses. 

Which lifestyle factors can negatively affect libido?

Alcohol and drug abuse, as well as taking certain medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medicines or hormonal contraceptives can lead to reduced sexual desire. 

Studies have shown that men with excess abdominal fat have testosterone levels up to 40% lower than normal-weight men and are also more likely to experience loss of libido. Reducing excess weight and abdominal fat is therefore important.

In addition to excess weight, sugar consumption is a cause of lowered testosterone levels, particularly in men. A study at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston showed that men who drank a glucose solution experienced a 25% drop in testosterone levels two hours later. If libido is lost, sugar intake should therefore be significantly reduced.

How to boost libido naturally

• If excess weight is a factor contributing to low testosterone, weight loss can positively affect hormone levels and thus boost libido. It is important to aim for long‑term, sustainable weight regulation and to avoid rapid, drastic measures. 
• Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium, can support thyroid function. If you choose a selenium supplement, chelated selenium is especially recommended. Its bioavailability is considerably higher than conventional selenium supplements due to binding to amino acids.
• Red clover supplements can increase testosterone levels in women. A daily intake of 80 mg of red clover extract for at least 12 weeks is recommended. Adequate supply of zinc, magnesium and vitamin D is also important for healthy testosterone levels.
• Regular exercise increases testosterone levels immediately after training, with resistance training being more beneficial than endurance training. Libido‑enhancing effects appear after about 90 minutes of exercise per week, and three half‑hour sessions are more effective than a single longer session. In women, testosterone levels also rise with exercise, both with resistance and endurance training. After exercise, however, testosterone levels in women drop again within 30 to 60 minutes.
• Sport is not only beneficial as a testosterone booster for libido. Lack of exercise can slow blood circulation and lead to stagnation of energy flow, which can negatively affect libido. Good circulation, including to the genitals, is crucial for arousal, sexual stimulation and satisfaction. Exercise promotes circulation, helps relieve stress and contributes to feeling more attractive in one's own body.
• Female libido can be specifically enhanced through targeted pelvic floor exercises, in particular Yoni‑Yoga.
• An observational study rated sexual desire as poorer in men with vitamin D deficiency than in men with adequate vitamin D levels. Vitamin D was shown to increase testosterone levels and improve erectile function. In women with low vitamin D, supplementation also improved sexual desire, orgasmic ability and sexual satisfaction. In cases of low sexual desire it is recommended to take 1000 IU of vitamin D daily in summer and up to 2000 IU in winter.
• The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps is considered a potent and natural remedy for low libido in men and women. Chinese researchers have conducted numerous studies with men taking Cordyceps and observed a marked increase in sexual performance. In studies with women, over 90% of participants reported that their previously low libido increased after a Cordyceps course.
• Wild yam contains a progesterone precursor called diosgenin. This compound has a mild progesterone‑like effect and can boost libido in women.
• Include chilli in your daily diet. The pungent compound capsaicin in chilli peppers stimulates circulation and produces warm feelings of pleasure.
• An extract of wild oat grass is said to help raise testosterone levels, boost libido in men and women and improve sexual performance. Women may require a higher dose of wild oat grass extract to increase libido than men.
• Pomegranate seeds are traditionally regarded as a testosterone booster. Drinking pomegranate juice is also said to have a very positive effect on libido. One study found that after two weeks of pomegranate juice consumption, salivary testosterone levels rose by 24% in both women and men.
• The amino acid arginine is considered a direct stimulator of sexual desire and male potency. To stimulate libido and improve sexual function, 1700 to 5000 mg of L‑arginine daily are recommended.
• Pain during intercourse caused by insufficient vaginal moisture can be relieved by using lubricants or special vaginal moisturisers available from pharmacies. In cases of thin vaginal mucosa, oestrogen creams can also help.

These natural remedies, simple tips and targeted exercise lay the foundation for your wellbeing, enhance sexual function and help libido get back on track quickly!