What is your libido trying to tell you?
Sex is perhaps the ultimate example of a psychosomatic experience: bridging body and mind, both essential for its expression. Sex and libido provide a unique lens to view health, although it is still rarely discussed and may often carry a certain degree of stigma.
In simple terms, humans—like many beings—tend to seek procreation when basic life needs, like safety, food, and shelter, are met. Humans, however, don’t engage in sex solely for reproduction purposes, but also for pleasure and fun (dolphins, orangutans and wolves too!). Fun, by nature, is something we prioritise once survival concerns are addressed. For instance, if food is scarce or danger is near, those immediate needs will take precedence over entertainment.
Libido isn’t a standalone issue; it’s shaped by almost every facet of health.
Let’s strip it back and get to the bare essentials:
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Improper nutrition: essential for hormone production, neurotransmitters, overall health and energy
Sleep Dysregulation: the core of energy, mood and balanced hormones
Iron deficiency: necessary for oxygen delivery, energy and mood
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Hormonal health and balance
Adrenal fatigue
Exercise: too much or too little
Acute or chronic illness
Medications and substance use
Eating disorders
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexual organ health: vaginal, uterine, penile and prostatic health
Liver disease and toxin buildup
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Chronic stress
Mood and behavioural disorders
Depression and anxiety
Sleep dysregulation
Relationship and trust issues
Difficulty connecting with a partner
Past trauma
Sexual Dysfunction
The areas in which your body allocates its resources is hierarchical. If one area of the body is suffering, most likely your libido will suffer too. When not enough calories are consumed, the body lacks building blocks for making hormones and neurotransmitters necessary for desire and libido. One study found that the majority of patients with eating disorders suffer from decreased sexual desire, loss of libidio and increased sexual anxiety.
Similarly, if your body is fighting an infection, pathways will shift to pumping out inflammatory cytokines, interleukins and antibodies. If you are stressed, the pathways will shift to secreting cortisol and sugar rather than hormones of love and sex.
Sometimes sexual dysfunction, despite having physical findings, may stem from psychological origin.
The Thyroid-Sex Connection
Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect sex hormone levels and disrupt sexual function through hormonal and nervous system pathways. Thyroid hormones can even tamper with mood and stress levels, making things more complicated. Recent studies have concluded that a correction back to a euthyroid state (balanced) was associated with dramatic resolution of sexual dysfunction in both male and female patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Balance really is everything!
In naturopathic medicine, the approach goes beyond recommending aphrodisiac herbs; it’s about uncovering and addressing the underlying causes of low libido and sexual dissatisfaction, helping patients heal and regain balance.
What is the DUTCH test?
The DUTCH test, or Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, is an assessment used to analyse hormone levels and metabolites (byproducts) through a simple urine sample. This innovative testing method provides a comprehensive snapshot of hormone production and balance, including key hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. By measuring hormonal byproducts, the DUTCH test helps identify hormonal imbalances and individual health concerns. This enables the practitioner to develop tailored wellness strategies and treatment plans.
When should I consider the DUTCH test?
Consider undergoing a DUTCH test if you’re experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, libido changes, weight fluctuations, or sleep disturbances. It can be a beneficial tool for both men and women alike.
Something to try for hormone support
References:
1. Basson, R., Althof, S., Davis, S., Fugl-Meyer, K., Goldstein, I., Leiblum, S., & Rosen, R. (2005). Revised definitions of women's sexual dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2(3), 317-326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.20346.x
2. Serati, M., Espuña-Pons, M., Mouton-Puglisi, A., & Padoa, A. (2023). Iron deficiency and sexual dysfunction in women. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 11(4), 342–348. https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qead028
3. Gabrielson, A. T., Sartor, R. A., & Hellstrom, W. J. G. (2019). The Impact of Thyroid Disease on Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women. Sexual medicine reviews, 7(1), 57–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.05.002
4. Pinheiro, A. P., Raney, T. J., Thornton, L. M., Fichter, M. M., Berrettini, W. H., Goldman, D., Halmi, K. A., Kaplan, A. S., Strober, M., Treasure, J., Woodside, D. B., Kaye, W. H., & Bulik, C. M. (2010). Sexual functioning in women with eating disorders. The International journal of eating disorders, 43(2), 123–129. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20671