Testosterone is the main sex hormone that drives your libido. However there are other hormones that influence sex drive. SHBG, progesterone, oestrogen, cortisol and the more active form of testosterone – DHT. These hormones can be tested and are helpful in establishing if there’s a hormonal link to your low libido particularly if you’re experiencing other ‘hormonal’ issues such as PMS, period pain, mood and energy changes. Read my Guide to PMS, if this is a big factor.

The oral contraceptive pill and anti-depressants are medications that can alter your hormone and neurotransmitter function and result in a low libido. Consider changing these to another or weaning off, with the assistance of your medical practitioner.

Alcohol, party drugs, sugar and crap food. Binging on these every weekend is enough to alter your hormones, hinder detoxification, change your brain chemistry and result in sluggishness and low libido. Initially it may feel like a fun, sexy and glamorous lifestyle but your body likely wants nourishment instead.

Your root chakra is the energy centre that sits right at the base of the spine and underneath your butt. The sacral chakra is the energy centre that sits just below the naval. Energetically, these two chakras govern the health of the reproductive organs as well as your creativity, sexuality and material wealth. Establishing a healthy relationship with your material life (including money) via getting on top of your finances and feeling positive about money can improve the health of these chakras and therefore the health of your sexuality.

As stated above, in relation to the root and sacral chakra, creativity and sexuality go hand in hand. The energy is very similar. After all, the reproductive organs are where we create life. If you’re feeling creatively unfulfilled, chances are you’ll feel similar sexually. Get started on something that lights up a fire within you creatively, such as painting, dancing, singing, anything to express yourself as a creative being. It’ll make you feel good either way. If you’re creatively blocked, begin meditation to increase your creativity!

Stuck energy in the reproductive area, will create a sensation of feeling stagnant and a bit ‘blah’, aka low libido. Get the blood flowing by moving those hips. For me, dancing is the best thing for this. Our hips store a lot of emotion and energy and can struggle to flow if we’re consistently sitting at desks, driving and not moving much. Dance is also an amazing way to express yourself creatively. If dancing isn’t your thing, consider yin yoga for deep connective tissue and fascia stretches in the pelvic area – this is great for releasing stored emotion here as well.

When’s the last time you took a break? How was your libido last time you were on holidays? Most peoples libidos naturally increase on holiday because the body is relaxed, the mind is present, and stress is reduced. If this happens to you, this is a good indication that stress plays a major role in your sex drive. See below…

Stress and sleep deprivation are major libido killers. Even mild day-to-day stress and bad sleep is enough to dampen anyone’s libido and create a feeling of imbalance. Stress and sleep management is something I recommend for everyone. Meditation, yoga, counselling, herbal medicine, eating well. Do what it takes to cope better with the stress you’re faced with and get a good night’s sleep.

Negative body image affects self-esteem, self-confidence and diminishes our personal power. Not exactly a recipe for a healthy libido. Negative body image runs deep, affects many, and requires a gentle loving approach to healing the self on all levels. Find a professional who can help you implement tools to accepting your self, your imperfections and totally own and love your body.

Want professional naturopathic guidance? Read about my naturopathic and reiki healing sessions and let’s create a nourishing healing plan together, just for you.