Skip to content
AlternativeMed
Understand changes in sexual desire: a calm bedroom corner in soft morning light with a rumpled linen bed, two mugs of tea on a wooden bedside table, a closed journal and a small vase of green leaves by the window

Improve Sexual Wellbeing & Intimacy

Low Libido in Men

Interest in sex naturally rises and falls with life events, health, mood, medicines and relationships, and a lower drive is a symptom to understand rather than a fault. This page is for adults of any gender and age; it covers the common causes, how a clinician looks for them, and what is and is not supported by evidence.

General information, not medical advice. Last updated November 1, 2026. Written by the AlternativeMed editorial team. Not medically reviewed.

Start here

  • Notice when the change began and what else changed around then: a new medicine or contraceptive, a stressful period, poor sleep, a pregnancy or new baby, menopause, a relationship strain or low mood. The NHS lists these as common causes. [nhs-libido]
  • Look at the basics for a few weeks: sleep, alcohol, stress and activity. These are the habits NIDDK suggests for general and sexual well-being. [niddk-tx]
  • Book a visit if you are worried, if a medicine or hormonal contraception may be involved, or if the change has lasted more than a few months or distresses you or a partner. [nhs-libido][medline-men]

Be careful with

  • A lower drive is not proof of low testosterone, and it is not a reason to buy a hormone "booster". Many other things cause the same symptom. [endo][boosters]
  • Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine or contraceptive on your own. If you think it is affecting your desire, talk to the prescriber, who may have other options. [nhs-libido]
  • Sexual "enhancement" and "natural" libido products can contain hidden drugs. The FDA says such products are sometimes falsely advertised as supplements, food or all-natural treatments. [fda-tainted]

Get help when

  • Low mood, hopelessness, or thoughts of death or suicide: see a doctor or mental health professional now. In the US you can call or text 988 to reach a crisis counselor. [nimh-men]
  • A lasting change in desire (more than a few months), or one that causes distress for you or a partner. [medline-women][medline-men]
  • A change that began with a new medicine or hormonal contraception, or that does not return to normal after pregnancy. [nhs-libido]
  • Low desire together with erection problems, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, tiredness, weight change or other new symptoms; these can point to a treatable health condition. [nhs-ed][medline-women]
  • An erection lasting longer than 4 hours is a reason to get care right away. [niddk-tx]

About Low Libido in Men

What this goal means

Libido is your interest in sex. It varies from person to person and over time, and a lower drive is a symptom, not a disease. The NHS says there are many possible reasons for a low sex drive and that treating the cause should help. [nhs-libido]

MedlinePlus says occasional problems with sexual function are common, and recommends seeing a health care provider if a problem lasts more than a few months or causes distress for you or your partner. [medline-women][medline-men]

Having less interest than before, or less than a partner, is not by itself a problem. It matters when it worries you or affects a relationship you want to keep close.

1,2,3

What it can feel like

People describe fewer sexual thoughts, less spontaneous interest, a lack of interest in starting sex, or a sense that desire only appears after affection or arousal begins. MedlinePlus lists low sexual desire alongside difficulty becoming aroused, trouble reaching orgasm and painful intercourse as separate kinds of sexual concern, which can overlap. [medline-women]

For men, MedlinePlus lists reduced or lost interest in sex together with erection and ejaculation problems and low testosterone. [medline-men]

2,3

What can make it harder

The NHS lists relationship problems; stress, anxiety or depression; other sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness; pregnancy and having a baby (hormone changes, stress and tiredness); lower hormone levels with age, particularly during menopause; certain medicines, including some for high blood pressure and antidepressants; hormonal contraception; drinking too much alcohol; and long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid and cancer. [nhs-libido]

NIDDK adds that loneliness, low self-esteem and a negative body image can cause or worsen erection problems, and that many common medicines, including blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and sedatives, can cause them. [niddk-cause]

In one small laboratory study of ten healthy young men, a week of 5-hour sleep lowered daytime testosterone by 10% to 15%, and the authors note that reduced libido can be produced by sleep deprivation in healthy people. [leproult]

1,4,5

Conditions that can be behind it

Depression and anxiety, hormone changes around menopause, thyroid problems, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and its treatment, and medicine side effects are all listed as possible causes. [nhs-libido][medline-women] Links to these topics are given below for background, not for self-diagnosis.

Low testosterone is one possible cause in men. MedlinePlus lists low sex drive among symptoms that can occur with it, together with erection difficulty, infertility and loss of muscle mass. [medline-testo] Because so many other things cause the same symptom, the Endocrine Society recommends diagnosing low testosterone only when symptoms and signs go together with clearly and repeatedly low blood levels. [endo]

1,2,6,7

Realistic expectations

The NHS puts it simply: treating the cause should help increase your sex drive. [nhs-libido] That means the first job is finding the cause, and there is often more than one.

We did not find a supplement or product that reliably raises desire in people without another condition (see the remedies section). Improvement usually comes from changing what is draining desire: sleep, stress, mood, medicines, health problems, or how a couple talks and connects.

1

Who this applies to

Any adult, of any gender, orientation or age, and people with or without a partner. The NHS causes list covers pregnancy, menopause and hormonal contraception as well as erectile dysfunction, so it spans women, men and people of all genders. [nhs-libido]

Sexual interest also differs between people who are asexual or who simply prefer less sex. Low desire is a concern only if it troubles you.

1

Related conditions and symptoms

Support Healthy Erectile Function → Anxiety disorders → Thyroid and fatigue → Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome → Perimenopause and menopause →

A manageable starting plan

An educational starting point, not a personal prescription. Adjust it to your own situation and any advice from your clinician.

Your first actions

  • Write down when the change began and what else changed (medicines, contraception, sleep, mood, stress, alcohol, relationship, health).
  • Work on the basics for a few weeks: sleep, alcohol, stress and activity.
  • Have one kind, specific conversation with your partner if you have one.
  • Book a visit if it lasts more than a few months, distresses you, or you suspect a medicine.

Optional additions

  • Add a mood or stress check-in with a talking therapist.
  • Read about related goals: arousal, comfort, performance anxiety and connection.
  • Ask a clinician whether a hormone check is appropriate.

What to track

  • Notes on timing of the change and any new medicine.
  • Sleep, alcohol and stress patterns.
  • How you feel about the change, not only how often sex happens.

When to reassess

After a few weeks of changes, or sooner if you are worried, review the notes. A change lasting more than a few months, or causing distress, deserves a conversation with a clinician.

When to seek professional support

  • Primary care clinician or sexual health clinic.
  • A relationship counsellor or sex therapist.
  • A mental health professional for persistent low mood.
  • In the US, call or text 988 for a crisis counselor if you have thoughts of suicide.

What helps

Ordered by how well the research supports each step. Evidence strength is shown on every card; precautions sit next to the advice.

Start here

Find the likely cause with a clinician

Moderate certainty

Addresses: Matches the fix to the cause, which is the NHS's main advice

Why it may help: The NHS says there are many possible reasons for low desire and that treating the cause should help. It advises seeing a GP if you are worried, if you think a medicine or hormonal contraception is involved, or if desire does not return to normal after pregnancy.

How to apply it: Write down when the change started, new medicines or contraception, mood, sleep, alcohol, relationship changes and any other symptoms, and bring the notes to the visit.

Who it may suit: Anyone worried by a lasting change.

Precautions: Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

1

Understand How Medicines Affect Sexual Wellbeing → Men's health: when to get help →

Review medicines and hormonal contraception with the prescriber

Moderate certainty

Addresses: Some medicines and contraceptives can lower desire

Why it may help: The NHS lists some medicines for high blood pressure, antidepressants and hormonal contraception (pill, patch, implant) among causes, and says switching to a different medicine or contraception type may be an option.

How to apply it: Ask the prescriber whether the medicine could be affecting desire and whether an alternative exists. Keep taking it until you have talked.

Who it may suit: People whose desire changed after starting or changing a medicine.

Precautions: Stopping blood pressure, antidepressant or other medicines suddenly can be harmful.

1,4

Understand How Medicines Affect Sexual Wellbeing → Medication interactions →

Protect your sleep

Low certainty

Addresses: Tiredness and sleep loss can lower desire

Why it may help: One small laboratory study found five-hour nights lowered daytime testosterone in healthy young men, and the authors note that reduced libido can result from sleep deprivation. Tiredness from caring for a baby is also listed by the NHS as a cause.

How to apply it: Aim for a regular sleep schedule and address ongoing sleep problems. See the sleep pages.

Who it may suit: Anyone short of sleep, new parents, shift workers.

Precautions: The laboratory study was small (ten men) and did not test libido directly as a treatment.

5,1

Sleep → Sleep apnea →

Ease stress and look after mood

Moderate certainty

Addresses: Stress, anxiety and depression are listed causes

Why it may help: The NHS lists stress, anxiety and depression as causes, and matches antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to depression as a treatment. NIDDK suggests stress reduction as a general habit that helps sexual well-being.

How to apply it: Build in stress-reducing habits and rest; if low mood or anxiety is persistent, ask a clinician about talking therapies.

Who it may suit: People under pressure, grieving or feeling low.

Precautions: Persistent low mood needs a clinician, not only self-care.

1,8

Stress → Support a More Balanced Mood → Anxiety disorders →

Talk about it, and consider relationship counselling

Moderate certainty

Addresses: Relationship strain is a common and treatable cause

Why it may help: The NHS lists relationship problems as a cause and relationship counselling as the matching treatment. MedlinePlus links to guidance on talking with a partner about sexual needs.

How to apply it: Choose a calm, private time. Describe what you feel without blame, and ask about their experience. A counsellor can help if conversations stall.

Who it may suit: People in relationships, and anyone who finds the topic hard to raise.

Precautions: If there is fear, pressure or abuse in the relationship, seek support first; consent matters.

1,2

Communicate More Comfortably About Intimacy → Build Emotional & Physical Connection →

Additional options

Limit alcohol

Moderate certainty

Addresses: Too much alcohol is a listed cause

Why it may help: The NHS lists drinking too much alcohol among causes of low sex drive and of erection problems, and suggests keeping alcohol within 14 units a week.

How to apply it: Cut back on heavy drinking; talk to a doctor if cutting down is difficult.

Who it may suit: People who drink regularly or heavily.

Precautions: If you drink heavily and daily, do not stop suddenly without medical advice.

1,9

Keep active, keep a healthy weight, stop smoking

Low certainty

Addresses: General habits that help sexual function and well-being

Why it may help: NIDDK suggests stress reduction, activity, a healthy weight and limiting alcohol; the NHS adds stopping smoking and a healthy diet for erection problems.

How to apply it: Build up activity gradually. Weight, smoking and fitness changes matter most when other conditions are present.

Who it may suit: Most adults.

Precautions: Check with a clinician before starting vigorous exercise if you have a heart condition or other health problems.

8,9

Everyday health habits for men →

Check for treatable health conditions

Moderate certainty

Addresses: Underlying conditions can lower desire

Why it may help: The NHS lists heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid and cancer. MedlinePlus lists diabetes, heart disease, nerve disorders and hormone problems as physical causes in women.

How to apply it: Ask for a check of blood pressure and general health; a clinician decides which tests are appropriate.

Who it may suit: Anyone with other new symptoms, tiredness, weight change or long-term conditions.

Precautions: Do not self-diagnose from symptoms.

1,2

Thyroid and fatigue → Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome →

Treat linked sexual problems

Moderate certainty

Addresses: Erection problems or vaginal dryness can themselves lower interest

Why it may help: The NHS lists erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness as causes of low sex drive, and gives treatments such as vaginal lubricants and medicines to help with erections.

How to apply it: Address the linked problem first or alongside; see the related goal pages.

Who it may suit: People with erection, arousal, dryness or pain concerns.

Precautions: Do not buy erection or enhancement pills from online sellers without clinical advice (see avoid).

1,8

Support Healthy Erectile Function → Manage Vaginal Dryness → Address Discomfort During Sex →

Still being studied

Hormone treatment for menopause or low testosterone, when a clinician decides

Moderate certainty

Addresses: May help when hormone levels are truly the cause

Why it may help: The NHS says HRT is listed for low sex drive linked to menopause and that testosterone gel or cream can help improve low libido for some people, available on prescription from a menopause specialist. For men, the Endocrine Society recommends treating only when symptoms go together with repeatedly low blood levels.

How to apply it: Discuss with a clinician; this is a prescription decision with benefits and risks.

Who it may suit: People with menopause symptoms or confirmed low testosterone.

Precautions: Never use unsupervised hormones or anabolic products; risks must be weighed by a clinician.

1,10,7

Perimenopause and menopause → Testosterone and low testosterone → Recognize When Low Testosterone Needs Evaluation →

Food & nutrition

Food, drink and desire

We did not find a food that reliably raises sexual desire. The practical points that sources do give are about habits: limit alcohol, keep a healthy weight and eat a healthy diet. [niddk-tx][nhs-ed]

Foods marketed as aphrodisiacs have not been shown here to change desire. Treat "libido foods" claims with caution; a balanced diet supports general health, which supports sexual wellbeing.

8,9

Remedies & supplements

Traditional use, laboratory findings and human trials are kept apart. "Natural" does not mean safe.

Asian ginseng

Low certainty

Studied form and route: Herbal supplement in trials of men with erectile dysfunction

Intended outcome: Sexual desire scores

Human evidence: A 2026 systematic review of 14 randomized trials (1,227 men with ED, follow-up 1 to 6 months) found herbal supplements overall improved sexual desire; ginseng was named among the herbs that improved erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, overall satisfaction and testosterone.

Traditional use: Used in traditional Asian medicine as a tonic.

Laboratory findings: We did not read lab studies for this page.

Limits: These were trials in men with ED, not in men whose only concern is low desire, and not in women. Trials were small and short, and products varied.

Interactions and precautions: Check with a pharmacist or doctor if you take medicines, especially for diabetes or blood thinning. Ginseng interacts with some medicines. Avoid in pregnancy unless a clinician agrees.

11

Asian ginseng → Medication interactions →

Saffron

Low certainty

Studied form and route: Herbal supplement in trials of men with ED

Intended outcome: Erectile and orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction

Human evidence: In the same 2026 meta-analysis, saffron was effective for erectile function, orgasmic function and intercourse satisfaction. Desire was not singled out for saffron.

Traditional use: Used as a food spice and in traditional medicine.

Laboratory findings: We did not read lab studies for this page.

Limits: Small, short trials in men with ED; no result for desire in people without ED.

Interactions and precautions: Culinary amounts in food differ from supplements; check with a clinician if pregnant or taking medicines.

11

Saffron →

Maca

Not enough evidence

Studied form and route: Root powder or extract

Intended outcome: Sexual desire (claimed)

Human evidence: The 2026 meta-analysis found the evidence for maca (and Tribulus) insufficient.

Traditional use: Eaten in the Andes for centuries; traditional claims for fertility and vitality.

Laboratory findings: We did not read lab studies for this page.

Limits: Too few and too small trials to draw conclusions.

Interactions and precautions: Ask a clinician if you take medicines or have a hormone-sensitive condition.

11

Maca → Maca for libido: what trials found →

Tribulus

Not enough evidence

Studied form and route: Herbal supplement sold for libido and testosterone

Intended outcome: Sexual desire (claimed)

Human evidence: The 2026 meta-analysis found the evidence for Tribulus insufficient.

Traditional use: Used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Laboratory findings: We did not read lab studies for this page.

Limits: Insufficient human evidence; product quality varies.

Interactions and precautions: Ask a clinician if you take medicines; avoid in pregnancy unless advised.

11

Tribulus →

Testosterone "booster" blends and male-enhancement pills

Evidence against

Studied form and route: Over-the-counter blends, online pills

Intended outcome: Libido, testosterone, performance (claimed)

Human evidence: A survey of 50 testosterone-boosting supplements found 50% advertised improved libido, while only 24.8% had PubMed data showing a testosterone increase. The FDA warns many sexual-enhancement products are likely to be contaminated with dangerous hidden ingredients.

Traditional use: These blends are sold under many names and are not part of a single traditional system.

Laboratory findings: Not assessed here.

Limits: Composition and claims are not supported by the academic literature, per the survey authors.

Interactions and precautions: Hidden ingredients can interact with heart medicines and cause serious harm; do not use. Talk to a health care professional first.

12,13

Testosterone boosters claim check → Yohimbe →

Therapies & care

Established professional care starts with finding the cause. The NHS matches treatment to the cause; these are general descriptions, not recommendations for any one person.

Treatment for depression or anxiety

Moderate certainty

Talking therapy and medical care For depression the NHS lists antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy. Some antidepressants can themselves lower desire, so tell the prescriber about any change.

Who it may suit: People with persistent low mood or anxiety.

Precautions: Do not stop an antidepressant on your own.

1

Anxiety disorders → Therapy for anxiety and stress → Support a More Balanced Mood →

Medicine or contraception review

Low certainty

Medical review The NHS says switching to a different medicine or contraception type, or discussing treatment for a health condition, can help when these are the cause.

Who it may suit: Anyone whose desire changed after starting or changing a medicine.

Precautions: Do not change a prescription without the prescriber.

1

Understand How Medicines Affect Sexual Wellbeing →

Treating linked sexual problems

Moderate certainty

Medical care For erection problems or vaginal dryness, the NHS lists medicines to help with erections and vaginal lubricants; a clinician decides what suits you.

Who it may suit: People with erection problems or dryness.

Precautions: Do not buy prescription medicines online without a clinician.

1,8

Support Healthy Erectile Function → Manage Vaginal Dryness →

Hormone therapy decided by a clinician

Moderate certainty

Medical care The NHS lists HRT for menopause-related low desire, and says testosterone gel or cream can help some people, from a menopause specialist. For men, the Endocrine Society says to consider treatment only when symptoms are accompanied by clearly and repeatedly low blood levels.

Who it may suit: People with menopause-related symptoms or confirmed low testosterone.

Precautions: Needs individual benefit and risk review by a clinician.

1,10,7

Perimenopause and menopause → Testosterone and low testosterone → Recognize When Low Testosterone Needs Evaluation →

What to avoid

Habits, products and claims that can get in the way. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the professional who prescribed it.

Risks that apply to most people

Assuming low desire means something is "wrong" with you

Moderate certainty

Why: Desire naturally rises and falls; MedlinePlus says occasional problems are common.

Who it applies to: Everyone.

Try instead: Notice patterns and causes; seek help if it lasts or distresses you.

2,3

Personal triggers to check

Heavy alcohol

Moderate certainty

Why: The NHS lists drinking too much alcohol as a cause of low sex drive.

Who it applies to: People who drink heavily.

Try instead: Cut back; see a clinician if this is hard.

1

Long stretches of poor sleep and chronic stress

Low certainty

Why: Sleep loss lowered testosterone in a small lab study, and the NHS lists stress as a cause.

Who it applies to: Busy adults, new parents, shift workers.

Try instead: Protect sleep and add recovery time.

5,1

Sleep → Stress →

Products that need caution

"Male enhancement", "libido booster" and "all-natural" sexual pills

High certainty

Why: The FDA says many such products are likely to be contaminated with dangerous hidden ingredients, are sometimes falsely advertised as supplements, food or all-natural treatments, are not guaranteed to work, and can cause severe health problems and hospitalization. The FDA list covers only a small fraction, so a product not on it is not proven safe.

Who it applies to: Anyone tempted by online or social media offers.

Try instead: Talk to a health care professional before trying a new product.

13

Testosterone boosters claim check → Medication interactions →

Ordering erection medicines online without a clinician

Moderate certainty

Why: The NHS warns many websites sell fake medicines, and NIDDK advises not ordering ED medicine online before talking to a professional.

Who it applies to: People with erection concerns.

Try instead: See a doctor or sexual health clinic.

9,8

Support Healthy Erectile Function →

Unsupported claims

"Low libido means low testosterone"

High certainty

Why: MedlinePlus lists low sex drive among possible symptoms, but the Endocrine Society says to diagnose only with symptoms plus clearly and repeatedly low blood levels. Many other causes produce the same symptom.

Who it applies to: Men with lowered desire, and anyone told to buy a booster.

Try instead: Ask a clinician about causes before testing or treatment.

6,7

Recognize When Low Testosterone Needs Evaluation → Understand Hormone Tests →

"Testosterone booster" supplements raise libido

High certainty

Why: In a survey of 50 such products, 50% advertised improved libido, but only 24.8% had PubMed data showing a testosterone increase and 61.5% had none on testosterone effects.

Who it applies to: Product marketing.

Try instead: Treat marketing claims with caution.

12

Testosterone boosters claim check →

Common mistakes

Stopping a prescribed medicine yourself

Moderate certainty

Why: The NHS lists some blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and hormonal contraception as possible causes, but the right step is to ask the prescriber for a review or alternative.

Who it applies to: Anyone whose desire changed after a new medicine.

Try instead: Talk to the prescriber before any change.

1

Understand How Medicines Affect Sexual Wellbeing →

Waiting without checking for a treatable cause

Moderate certainty

Why: Low desire can come with depression, thyroid problems, diabetes or heart disease, and erection problems can accompany them.

Who it applies to: Anyone with a lasting change.

Try instead: Book a visit if it lasts more than a few months or you are worried.

1,3

Treating a partner's lower desire as personal rejection

Low certainty

Why: Desire changes have many non-relationship causes (health, medicines, stress, hormones), which is why open conversation and sometimes assessment help.

Who it applies to: Couples with mismatched desire.

Try instead: Ask questions kindly, and see the communication and connection goals.

1

Communicate More Comfortably About Intimacy → Build Emotional & Physical Connection →

Evidence & safety

What the research shows

Agency sources agree that low desire has many possible causes and that finding the cause is the first step: relationships, mood, medicines, hormones (including menopause and pregnancy), alcohol, sleep and long-term conditions. Supplements marketed for libido have limited, mostly ED-based trial evidence, and marketed boosters are poorly supported and sometimes contaminated.

Limits of the evidence

  • Much agency advice is a list of causes and matched treatments rather than trial results.
  • Herbal trials were mostly in men with erectile dysfunction, small and short.
  • The sleep and testosterone study involved only ten young men.
  • We did not find trials of supplements for low desire alone in women or in men without ED in the sources read.

Precautions and interactions

  • Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without the prescriber.
  • Herbs and supplements can interact with medicines; ask a pharmacist.
  • Sexual-enhancement products can contain hidden drugs.
  • Hormone treatments need individual clinician review.

Life-stage considerations

  • Pregnancy and after birth: hormone changes, stress and tiredness are listed causes; see a GP if desire does not return to normal after pregnancy. [nhs-libido]
  • Menopause: lower hormone levels can reduce desire; clinician-led treatments exist. [nhs-libido][nhs-meno-tx]
  • Older adults: MedlinePlus says problems in men become more common with age. [medline-men]
  • Young adults: the same causes apply; ask a clinician rather than buying boosters.

Warning signs

  • Low mood, hopelessness or thoughts of death or suicide. [nimh-men]
  • A lasting change that distresses you or a partner. [medline-women]
  • Erection lasting longer than 4 hours. [niddk-tx]
  • New symptoms such as tiredness, weight change, or pain with sex.

Claim checks

A lower sex drive means low testosterone

High certainty

Not by itself. It is one possible cause; diagnosis needs symptoms plus repeatedly low blood tests.

6,7

Libido supplements work

Low certainty

Evidence is limited and mixed: trials were in men with ED; ginseng and saffron showed benefits on some measures, maca and tribulus were insufficient.

11

Testosterone boosters are supported by research

Evidence against

A survey found their composition and claims are not supported by the academic literature.

12

"All-natural" sexual products are safe

Evidence against

The FDA says such products are sometimes falsely advertised as natural while containing hidden ingredients.

13

Questions people ask

Is it normal for sexual desire to change?

Yes. Desire rises and falls with life events, and MedlinePlus says occasional problems are common. It is worth a visit if the change lasts more than a few months or causes distress. [medline-women][medline-men]

Does a lower sex drive with age mean low testosterone?

Not by itself. Testosterone falls with age on average, but diagnosis needs symptoms plus repeated low blood tests. [medline-hypo][endo]

Can antidepressants or blood pressure medicines affect libido?

Yes, the NHS lists them among possible causes. Do not stop them yourself; ask the prescriber about alternatives. [nhs-libido]

Does hormonal contraception lower sex drive?

The NHS lists hormonal contraception (pill, patch, implant) among possible causes and says switching type may help. Talk to the prescriber. [nhs-libido]

Can menopause or pregnancy change desire?

Yes. The NHS lists lower hormone levels during menopause and the hormone changes, stress and tiredness of pregnancy and having a baby. [nhs-libido]

Do libido supplements work?

Evidence is limited and mixed. Trials were in men with ED, not in people with low desire alone; maca and tribulus evidence was insufficient. [herbal-meta]

Are male-enhancement pills safe?

The FDA warns many are likely to be contaminated with dangerous hidden ingredients, even when sold as natural. [fda-tainted]

When should I see a doctor?

If you are worried, if a medicine may be involved, if desire does not return after pregnancy, or if the change lasts more than a few months or distresses you. [nhs-libido][medline-men]

Can talking therapy help?

The NHS matches relationship counselling to relationship problems and CBT or antidepressants to depression. [nhs-libido]

References

  1. NHS. Low sex drive (loss of libido). Last reviewed 26 May 2026. Read 2026-11-01. source
  2. MedlinePlus (NLM). Sexual problems in women. Read 2026-11-01. source
  3. MedlinePlus (NLM). Sexual problems in men. Read 2026-11-01. source
  4. NIDDK (NIH). Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction. Read 2026-10-22. source
  5. Leproult R, Van Cauter E. Effect of 1 week of sleep restriction on testosterone levels in young healthy men. JAMA 2011;305(21):2173-4. PMID 21632481. Read 2026-10-22. source
  6. MedlinePlus (NLM). Testosterone Levels Test. Read 2026-10-22. source
  7. Bhasin S, et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018. PMID 29562364. Read 2026-10-22. source
  8. NIDDK (NIH). Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. Read 2026-10-22. source
  9. NHS. Erectile dysfunction (impotence). Read 2026-11-01. source
  10. NHS. Treatment for menopause and perimenopause. Read 2026-11-01. source
  11. Ho CY, Hsu CH, Chien TJ. Herbal dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. J Tradit Complement Med 2026;16(1):109-120. PMID 41696741. Abstract read 2026-11-01. source
  12. Clemesha CG, et al. "Testosterone Boosting" Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature. World J Mens Health 2020;38(1):115-122. PMID 31385468. Abstract read 2026-11-01. source
  13. US FDA. Sexual Enhancement and Energy Product Notifications. Read 2026-11-01. source

Related on AlternativeMed

Related goals

Support Healthy Erectile Function → Address Arousal Difficulties → Understand Orgasm Concerns → Manage Vaginal Dryness → Address Discomfort During Sex → Manage Sexual Performance Anxiety → Communicate More Comfortably About Intimacy → Build Emotional & Physical Connection → Understand How Medicines Affect Sexual Wellbeing → Understand Hormonal Changes → Support a More Balanced Mood →

Ingredients, foods and supplements

Maca → Asian ginseng → Tribulus → Saffron → Ashwagandha, testosterone and sexual health →

Research, safety and claim-check resources

Testosterone and low testosterone → Recognize When Low Testosterone Needs Evaluation → Understand Hormone Tests → Testosterone boosters claim check → Men's health: when to get help → Medication interactions → Men's Wellness research and evidence →