Natural Low Libido Treatment for Women in Phoenix
Many medical conditions, chronic stress, and even certain medications can significantly affect the quality of your sex life. At Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ , our naturopathic doctors look for the hormonal, physical, and emotional causes of low libido and sexual dysfunction, then create a personalized, natural plan to help you restore desire, comfort, and connection.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Sexual Dysfunction?
There are several phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, arousal, build-up, and climax. Sexual dysfunction describes problems during any of these stages that prevent a person from experiencing satisfaction. Many women assume a low sex drive is just a normal part of a long relationship, but a persistently low libido can be a sign of decreased sex hormones, stress, fatigue, anxiety, or depression. Because libido is so intricately connected to the rest of the body, it is hard to find the root cause without a comprehensive exam, health history, and follow-up lab work.
Common Medical Causes of Low Libido
There is usually more than one contributing factor, and understanding which ones apply to you is the key to successful treatment. Common medical causes include:
- Diabetes or insulin resistance (prediabetes)
- Heart disease or hypertension
- Neurological disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Menopause or dyspareunia (painful sex due to low estrogen)
- Prolonged or severe stress
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma
- Medications such as antidepressants, birth control pills, antihistamines, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, seizure medications, and pain relievers
Hormone and Metabolic Changes
Menopause, pregnancy, low testosterone, low estrogen, low progesterone, low pregnenolone, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, anemia, pituitary problems, low oxytocin, and certain medications can all reduce desire. A current or past history of birth control pill use is a common contributor: the pill increases sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds up free testosterone and leaves less available to fuel libido. Many women notice a lower sex drive months or even years after stopping the pill. Our physicians help the body recover by supporting metabolism and the liver and gut elimination pathways with herbs, food, and natural supplements.
Anatomical and Physical Causes
Postpartum changes, scar tissue or adhesions after surgery, injury, physical trauma, past abuse, and ectopic pregnancy can all affect comfort and desire.
Mental and Emotional Causes
Neurotransmitter imbalances such as low dopamine, serotonin, or acetylcholine; postpartum depression; anxiety and depression; low self-esteem; and lack of a strong support network can lower sex drive. Low oxytocin, the “love and bonding” hormone, can also play a role. Oxytocin does not create arousal on its own, but if you don’t feel like connecting or cuddling, arousal becomes much harder.
Lifestyle, Diet, and Environment
Lifestyle stressors, nutrient deficiencies, very low body fat, current or past statin use, chronic low-fat or low-calorie dieting, environmental exposures (including endocrine disruptors), substance use, and sleep deprivation can all suppress hormones. Because sex hormones are built from cholesterol, years of very low-fat eating can reduce pregnenolone, which in turn lowers testosterone and DHEA, your key “libido” hormones. Increasing healthy fats through dietary counseling is often an important step.
Naturopathic Treatments for Low Libido
Treatment depends on what is contributing to your low sex drive. If hormones are deficient, your physician may support balance with herbs and nutrition and, if needed, bioidentical hormone replacement. Other options include constitutional homeopathy for mental and emotional factors, thyroid and adrenal support, sex hormone regulation, and oxytocin support. For painful intercourse or decreased sensation, we also offer the O-Shot for female patients.
Test, Don’t Guess
Do you have low libido? Our Hormone Symptom Guide can help you see whether excess or deficient hormones might be affecting it. After a physical exam to rule out structural or anatomical problems, lab testing may include sex hormones (estrogens, testosterone, DHEA), neurotransmitters, thyroid hormones, adrenal function, and a micronutrient panel. Learn more about our laboratory testing.
Supporting Intimacy and Relationships
Libido is not only physical. Unspoken frustrations, resentments, busy schedules, and relationship stressors such as commitment, trust, finances, kids, and living situations all affect intimacy. Our physicians often encourage patients to prioritize their primary relationship, let go of “busy addictions,” schedule dedicated time for intimacy, and use lubrication if needed. Research also suggests women and men may have different natural peaks in arousal during the day, so finding a time that works for both partners can help. Explore more women’s wellness services or learn about low libido treatment for men.
Women’s Low Libido FAQs
Is low libido normal in long-term relationships?
A persistently low sex drive is common, but it is not something you simply have to accept. It can signal low sex hormones, thyroid or adrenal issues, stress, fatigue, anxiety, or depression.
Can birth control pills affect libido?
Yes. Birth control pills raise sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds free testosterone. Many women notice low libido for months or years after stopping the pill.
What tests help find the cause of low libido?
Your physician may test sex hormones (estrogens, testosterone, DHEA), thyroid hormones, adrenal function, neurotransmitters, and micronutrient levels.
Can diet affect sex drive?
Yes. Sex hormones are made from cholesterol, so chronic low-fat or low-calorie diets can reduce pregnenolone, testosterone, and DHEA. Nutrient deficiencies and low body fat can also play a role.
Do you offer hormone therapy for low libido?
Yes. When testing shows hormone deficiencies, our physicians may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement along with herbal and nutritional support.
Do you offer the O-Shot?
Yes. We offer the O-Shot for female patients experiencing painful intercourse or decreased sensation.
How do I get help for low libido?
Call (480) 588-6856 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors.
Restore Your Desire and Vitality
Low libido has real, treatable causes. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule a confidential consultation.
