We have all experienced it; sometimes we really want to be intimate with our partner, and other times we wish he/she would just leave us alone. You may even experience a longer duration of time where you notice a lower sex drive. You may be repulsed by the whole idea. Then become a question of ‘why do I not want to engage in sex right now or be intimate with the one I love?’ or ‘why can’t I get anywhere close to that point of arousal?’ Then your partner questions your lack of libido or visa versa. The answer to all those questions and concerns are affected by hormones.
FEMALE HORMONES AND LIBIDO
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the hormones that affect a woman’s sexual desire and functioning. Hormonal changes and fluctuations are normal and occur all the time, especially in women. Proper amounts of estrogen help maintain sexual interest and keep vaginal tissue healthy. A nice balance of all 3 hormones is ideal, so one does not become too dominant or deficient.
Menstrual Cycle: Hormone levels fluctuate throughout our cycles. A peak of sexual desire (libido) typically happens before and around ovulation, with a second smaller peak during menstruation. The lowest level of libido is often prior to menstruation.
Hormonal Birth Control: Some birth controls suppress the usual cyclical nature of hormones. Some women have more desire, while other women experience less desire and proper function. The specific effects of these different methods vary greatly among individual women.
Pregnancy: Estrogen and progesterone levels are higher during pregnancy, and the blood flow to the genitals increases. These changes can lead to increased libido.
Perimenopause/Menopause: During perimenopause, estrogen levels spike and fall while progesterone levels decline. After menopause, both progesterone and estrogen steady out at low levels. During these years, women may experience less desire and increased vaginal dryness.
MALE HORMONES AND LIBIDO:
For men, it is not nearly as complicated. The primary hormone associated with a sexual drive in men is testosterone. With low levels of testosterone, there is less brain stimulation thus less sexual drive and blood flow for an erection. Unlike women, men do not have a laundry list of circumstances that could be contributing to the changes.
Another hormone that contributes to sexual dysfunction in men is the thyroid. Underactive thyroid hormones can increase the production of prolactin, which can then deplete testosterone levels. Men also have low levels of estrogen. But high levels of estrogen in men go together with low testosterone levels, which have a negative impact on libido.
Furthermore, a man’s lifestyle also has a large impact on sexual desire and function. Smoking and drinking are infamous for their tendency to decrease libido. A healthy diet and regular exercise not only contribute to better blood flow, and hence sexual function, but also supply energy and an overall feeling of wellness that in turn, increase sexual desire.
Overall, there are many reasons for low drive: hormones, relationships, stress, etc. Females have less control than men with there being monthly cycles and more circumstantial events. Having balanced hormones as much as possible will lead to an increase in libido and sexual function for both males and females! Additionally, Dr. Edgerton is trained to provide the prp vaginal treatment to enhance sexual sensation.
For more information please contact Premier Health and Wellness by visiting the site or by contacting the staff at (512) 459-4405.
