Libido is different in every single person, and there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ sex drive, according to the NHS.
A loss of libido may be a sign of an underlying medical problem – including reduced hormone levels – but it’s most commonly linked to relationship issues, stress or tiredness.
A GP or psychosexual therapist may offer helpful advice for boosting your sex drive.
You could also increase your libido by following these helpful tips.
You could boost your sex drive by reducing stress and cutting back on alcohol, according to London nutritionist Lily Soutter.
“Stress, anxiety and exhaustion can play a key role in reducing libido,” Soutter said.
“Depression is a serious illness and can be all-encompassing. It can affect all aspects of life, which includes sex drive,” she said.
Managing stress and supporting your mental health could help to increase your libido, the nutritionist added.
As we get older, we’re more at risk of losing our libido.
“As we age and go through menopause, falling levels of sex hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone can play a key role with reduced sex drive,” said Soutter.
Balancing your sex hormones is key to raising libido. Avoiding poor-quality protein food could help to prevent a hormone imbalance, a study has claimed. Sandalwood essential oil may also improve your hormones and libido.
“Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is directly linked to loss of sex drive,” said Soutter.
Cutting back on alcohol, or making sure you don’t over-do it, could boost libido.
Any long-term medical condition could affect your sex drive, according to the NHS.
Having a low libido could be caused by heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or an underactive thyroid, it added.