Most people go through changes of libido during their lifespan puberty onwards. Some changes are natural, just the way nature intended, but sometimes this is not the case. A fluctuation in libido can occur when people go through certain situations or circumstances in their life. These can range from a physical accident to a depressive episode in life and the whole range in between. Certain physical illnesses and medications can also affect the libido levels.

I find that females are more prone to a loss of libido earlier in life, as early as their 20’s, and majority of the times its related to their mental and emotional state – stress is the number one reason for a decrease in libido, following that would be a hormonal change, or body image issues. However, in older men and women, a change in libido is usually related to stress, medications, andropause, perimenopause and menopause. As the hormone levels dwindle down, so does the libido.

So how can you change it back to where it was or even improve libido naturally?

In order to improve your libido naturally, its important to first figure out what might have caused the change in the first place. So, take an inventory of your life currently and see what has changed.

1. If you are unhappy in a relationship or are having stressful marital or relationship issues, your libido is definitely going to get affected.
2. Are you overwhelmed or stressed? If your mind is preoccupied all the time, there is no time for the body to get into the mood! If you have too much stress at work and home, and not enough time to spend with your partner, this will definitely affect your energy levels and in term your libido.
3. Have your hormones changed? You would generally feel very different if this were the case. Talk to your naturopathic doctor (ND) to run a hormone panel using saliva to test your bioavailable hormones especially testosterone to see if this is the cause for loss of libido. If this is the case, your naturopath can definitely help you by giving you guidance on natural herbs and supplements that would help bring up the libido and testosterone levels.
4. Have you recently started a medication for lowering your blood pressure or cholesterol? These quite often tend to decrease your libido.
5. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, moody, nervous and sad?  If this is the case, you need to speak to your naturopathic physician to see if there is an imbalance in your neurotransmitters, hormones or if there is a significant lack of certain vitamins and minerals.

There are various herbs/ natural products available on the market that claim to boost your libido naturally, but it is important to talk your naturopath first as quite often, these herbs / natural products do much more than just increase your libido, so its important to be safe than sorry.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.