Men’s libido tends to peak in their 20s and gradually decrease as they get older. That’s normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
However, many men struggle with a low libido at other times throughout life. This can be due to medical conditions, mental health issues or side effects from certain medications.
Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is an essential sex hormone for both men and women, but it’s made in higher concentrations in the testicles of men. It’s responsible for many of the secondary sex characteristics that men have, including facial hair, body hair, a deeper voice, muscle mass and sperm production. Testosterone also boosts libido, and a number of studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy improves sexual desire in men who have low levels of the hormone.
As men get older, their natural testosterone levels decrease. In some cases, this is a normal part of the aging process. However, there are also times when low testosterone is a medical condition that needs to be treated. This is referred to as Low-T, or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome.
When a man has low-T, his body’s pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of the hormone to meet demand. This can lead to symptoms that include fatigue, trouble concentrating and weight loss. Some men with low-T experience a drop in their libido as well, although the hormone isn’t the only factor that affects sexual desire. The ovaries of women produce sex hormones as well, and when they’re disrupted by things like menopause, it can also reduce libido. This is because estrogen, progesterone and testosterone all have important roles in female sex drive. The imbalance caused by menopause typically includes a reduction in all of these hormones.
Physical Changes
Regardless of gender, sexual drive can decrease as people get older. But the decline is often temporary and will get better with age or if underlying conditions are treated. However, persistently low libido can cause distress for both individuals and their partners. If you have a low sex drive, it’s important to see your doctor. They can help you identify possible causes of your sex drive decline and recommend treatment or lifestyle changes that can improve it.
Generally, libido tends to drop at about 40 years old. This is mainly due to aging and the decreasing levels of testosterone. Other factors such as chronic illnesses, stress and anxiety and medications can also cause a decrease in sex drive. You should always read the leaflet that comes with your medications to determine whether they can affect libido.
Many men still enjoy a fulfilling sex life well into their 70s and 80s, but the level of activity does decrease. If you are having trouble sleeping, feel anxious or have a general lack of energy, it is best to visit your doctor to make sure that nothing serious is wrong. They will be able to carry out a physical examination and blood tests to rule out any underlying medical causes for your symptoms. In addition, they may recommend psychologic counseling, suggest a different medication or prescribe testosterone therapy to increase your libido.
Lifestyle Changes
While there are a number of factors that can contribute to the decline of libido in middle age and beyond, it’s not always an indicator of a decline in mental health. Many men experience a lack of sexual interest because of chronic illness, medication side effects or even stress and sleep problems.
When a man is experiencing low libido, it’s important for him to explore what’s behind his decreased desire. Often, his issues are related to his relationship or the stress of everyday life and can be treated with effective therapies.
For example, if your low libido is related to your relationship, consider seeking counseling to help you resolve your differences and communicate better. You might also consider taking a course of testosterone supplements or undergoing acoustic wave therapy to raise your natural levels and boost libido.
If your libido is caused by the medications you take, be sure to check the leaflet of any drugs that you’re taking and see if low libido is listed as a possible side effect. If it’s due to stress or a change in your diet, these issues can be addressed with a variety of lifestyle changes that will improve your mental and physical well-being. If you are unable to find relief from your symptoms, talk to your doctor for more treatment options.
Mental Changes
There are a number of factors that can negatively affect a man’s libido, and they can occur at any age. These include: chronic health conditions that affect organs and nerves that are interlinked with the reproductive system, a sedentary lifestyle that makes your body worse for wear over time, drug or alcohol abuse, depression or other mental health issues, as well as certain medications like antidepressants or high blood pressure medication that can reduce your libido.
Men may also experience a decline in sexual desire because of their own feelings about themselves or their relationships. Depression, low self-esteem and anxiety about performing in front of a partner can all have a direct impact on your ability to be sexually motivated.
When you start to experience a lack of interest in being sexually active, it’s important to take a detailed medical history so that your healthcare professional can evaluate the problem. This should include information about the date of onset, any other symptoms you’ve had, and situational and medical factors that may have contributed to the change. It’s also a good idea to review your medical history to see whether you have any medications that can lower libido, such as antidepressants or drugs for high blood pressure. You should also check the leaflet on any medicines you take to see if they mention that a lack of interest in sexual activity is a side effect.
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