Men, Is Your Low Sex Drive Connected To Endocrine Issues?

Having a low sex drive can be linked to a number of other causes.

From mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, poor body image and low self-esteem, and issues in relationships, especially if one’s sex drive isn’t in sync with their partner(s), getting to the bottom of these issues is incredibly important for those who experience them.

I’m Dr. Pat Nardini, ND, an endocrine focused naturopath in Toronto, and I want to help you to determine the cause of your low sex drive, and offer some natural solutions to help get things back on track.

What Is Libido?

Libido, also known as “sex drive” is the inclination to participate in sexual activity.

There are a number of factors which can affect libido including mood, ability to focus on and participate in sexual activity, testosterone levels, and blood flow which allows for a full erection.

What Are Some Of The Causes Of Decreased Male Libido?

There are a number of factors which can affect libido; some of these include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Unresolved relationship issues
• Low testosterone levels
• Medications, notably certain antidepressants and those meant to reduce testosterone levels as a treatment for prostate cancer, like bicalutamide
• Use of recreational drugs
• Extreme alcohol use
• Chronic illness

What Is Your Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is made up of a series of glands which secrete hormones – it includes the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland , pancreas, adrenal glands, and the ovaries and testes.

Hormones produced by these glands are responsible for a variety of functions, including regulation of metabolism, growth, reproduction, sleep, mood, and sexual function.

Imbalances in the endocrine systems can result in a number of health issues – including low sex drive.

Is Your Low Libido Due To An Androgen Deficiency?

Androgens are hormones which regulate male sex characteristics.

They are made in the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands – the major androgen is testosterone.

Androgen deficiency could occur due to issues in the areas of the brain which affect their production (the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus), or because of issues directly related to the testes.

An article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found links between low testosterone and low libido, and recommends individuals with a low sex drive as well as erectile dysfunction be tested for testosterone deficiency.

Naturopathic Solutions For Androgen Deficiency

If you have androgen deficiency, there are a number of natural methods which can help you to improve your levels.

Let’s have a look at a few possible solutions.

1. Address Any Nutrient Deficiencies

Not getting the proper nutrients can cause a number of issues in our bodies, so addressing nutritional deficiencies is an easy way to correct them.

Two important nutrients to make surethat you are getting enough of are zinc and vitamin D.

A study in the journal Biological Trace Elements research found that those men with normal testosterone levels had higher concentrations of zinc in their bodies compared to individuals that had low testosterone levels.

Another article, in Clinical Endocrinology showed a link between vitamin D levels and testosterone levels.

2. Maintain A Healthy Weight

A study in the journal Neuro Endocrinology Letters has shown a connection between high body mass index and low levels of testosterone.

Maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight if you are overweight,may help to restore testosterone levels, and therefore libido.

Furthermore, for some men who are self-conscious about being overweight, getting back to a healthy weight may help with issues related to confidence and low libido.

3. Improve Your Sleep

Another lifestyle factor which is important to many aspects of health, including libido, is sleep.

Not getting enough sleep, or having poor sleep quality due to stress, can suppress the production of sex hormones such as testosterone.

A few ways to improve your sleep include:

• Getting up and going to bed at the same time every day – even on weekends and holidays
• Exposing yourself to sunlight in the morning
• Avoiding screens within one-to-two hours before bedtime
• Exercise regularly
• Avoiding alcohol before bed
• Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool

4. Consider Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine.

A 2015 study showed study participants given ashwagandha had significant increases in testosterone levels when compared to the placebo group.

Additionally, ashwagandha is also used to help manage stress levels and hypothyroidism and to reduce cortisol levels which can contribute to low libido.

5. Consider Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb which is believed to lower levels of enzymes which convert testosterone to estrogen.

A study in Phytotherapy Research found that 81% of participants given a fenugreek supplement reported increased libido and 66% reported improved sexual performance.

Book An Appointment At Nardini Naturopathic

Are you suffering from low libido?

Is it affecting your self-confidence or your relationship?

Although this can be an embarrassing issue, there is help.

I’m Dr. Pat Nardini, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, and I have a special interest in helping people with endocrine issues.

If you have questions about how naturopathic medicine can help you, contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation.

I’ll answer any questions you may have about how natural solutions can help you to get your libido back.

Contact me today to set up an appointment.