06/08/2026
As a practice specializing in hormone optimization, menopause care, and functional medicine, we frequently see women who have lost their desire for s*x and are frustrated when their provider tells them it’s “normal” and “just a part of aging”. (Tell that to their husbands, right?) It often causes problems in relationships when women lack libido.
Most women do not know that HSDD is a clinical diagnosis. They come to me stating they just don’t feel like themselves anymore. And usually, it’s not JUST a lack of libido. It goes along with other hormone related symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, depression, vaginal dryness, and painful in*******se. They’ve been led to believe that this is just a normal part of aging - but it doesn’t have to be!
In reality, female libido is influenced by a multitude of factors - hormones, gut health, mental health, relationship dynamics, quality of sleep, stress levels, and life circumstances. For a lot of women, there is a biological reason to explain why their libido is suffering.
When a patient tells me she has low libido, I look at her entire health picture to see what could actually be contributing to her symptoms. Lab results such as low estrogen, low testosterone, thyroid dysfunction, as well as contributing factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, side effects from medications, vaginal dryness, painful in*******se, and relationship stressors can all affect libido. Identifying the root cause is the key to feeling better.
Treatment depends on lab results and other factors involved and may include beginning hormone replacement therapy, addressing sleep disturbances, managing stress, medication adjustments, counseling, or lifestyle changes. The most effective treatment is one that is individualized to each patient.
For postmenopausal women, improvement with libido and physical comfort with s*x begins with addressing the physical changes that happen during menopause. Low estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort, recurrent urinary infections, and possibly even vaginal atrophy, while low testosterone may affect libido and s*xual arousal. Restoring hormonal balance when appropriate, improving vaginal health, optimizing sleep and energy, reducing stress, and addressing relationship factors can significantly improve both desire and s*xual satisfaction.
My most important message to women is that decreased libido is common, but it is not something they simply have to live with. There are effective treatments available, and many women experience improvement in s*xual desire and satisfaction once the underlying conditions are identified and addressed.
Are you ready to talk about it?💋
