Introduction: Low Libido Is Not “Just in Your Head” — It’s Physiological

Many patients feel embarrassed to discuss low libido.
They whisper it. They hesitate. They downplay it.

But low libido is not a personality issue or a moral flaw—it is a clinical symptom with multiple possible causes.

Patients often tell us:
“I want to want intimacy… but I just don’t.”

Understanding sexual desire means understanding hormones, stress, sleep, inflammation, circulation, metabolism, and emotional health. Libido is a reflection of overall well-being.

Internal link prompt:
Learn more about hormonal and functional wellness at Sheen Vein Aesthetics & Functional Medicine.

Section 1: Libido Is Not Just Hormonal — It’s Multi-Systemic

Libido is influenced by:

• Hormones
• Brain chemistry
• Stress
• Emotional connection
• Energy levels
• Sleep quality
• Vascular health
• Nervous system balance

Low libido is a sign the body is overwhelmed or imbalanced.

Section 2: Low Libido in Women — Common Causes

1. Hormonal Changes

Declines in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence desire, arousal, lubrication, and responsiveness.

2. Perimenopause & Menopause

Fluctuations can profoundly change libido.

3. Stress & Cortisol

Cortisol suppresses reproductive hormones.

4. Fatigue

Low energy becomes low desire.

5. Pain or Discomfort

When intimacy becomes uncomfortable, the mind shifts into avoidance.

6. Emotional or Relationship Stress

Connection is part of desire.

Section 3: Low Libido in Men — Common Causes

1. Low Testosterone

The most common hormonal driver of low libido in men.

2. Stress

High cortisol competes with testosterone.

3. Poor Sleep

Testosterone is produced during deep sleep.

4. Metabolic Dysfunction

Insulin resistance reduces hormone production.

5. Vascular Health

Blood flow directly influences arousal.

Section 4: Shared Causes in Both Men and Women

1. Chronic Stress

Cortisol reduces sex hormones.

2. Depression or Low Mood

Brain chemistry affects desire.

3. Fatigue

Libido cannot thrive with low energy availability.

4. Inflammation

Inflammation disrupts hormonal pathways.

5. Poor Body Image or Self-Confidence

Emotional wellness matters.

6. Relationship Dynamics

Connection strengthens physiological desire.

Section 5: The Mind-Body Connection

Libido is the intersection of physical health and emotional well-being.
Even without psychological conditions, emotional burnout or overload decreases sexual interest.

Section 6: A Clinical Evaluation of Low Libido

We examine:

• Hormone patterns
• Stress and cortisol
• Sleep quality
• Inflammation
• Mood symptoms
• Blood sugar regulation
• Thyroid function
• Nutritional status
• Relationship or emotional influences

Understanding the whole person—not just a hormone level—is essential.

Internal link prompt:
Schedule a libido and hormone evaluation at Sheen Vein Aesthetics & Functional Medicine.

Conclusion

Low libido is not a character flaw—it is a medical symptom with understandable causes.
Patients deserve clarity, compassion, and evidence-based evaluation.

Internal link prompt:
Learn more about sexual wellness and hormonal health in our St. Louis clinic.

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