Some causes of low libido require clinical evaluation and treatment.

Natural strategies and supplements address the foundations of libido. But if your low desire is severe, sudden, longstanding, or accompanied by other symptoms, a healthcare provider can rule out or treat underlying causes that require medical intervention.

Seek medical evaluation if:

• Your libido declined suddenly rather than gradually

• It is accompanied by fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, depression, or cycle changes

• You suspect a medication is the cause — never stop a prescribed medication without guidance

• You experience pain during sex (dyspareunia) — may indicate vaginal atrophy, endometriosis, or vaginismus

• Low desire has persisted for 6+ months and is causing you distress or relationship strain

• Past trauma or relationship breakdown is the primary driver — therapeutic support is evidence- based and effective

Medical options your doctor may discuss

For premenopausal women with HSDD, two FDA-approved medications exist: Flibanserin (Addyi) — a daily pill modulating serotonin and dopamine — and Bremelanotide (Vyleesi), self-injected before sexual activity. For perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, hormone therapy (estrogen and in some cases testosterone) is the most established intervention, with strong evidence for improving desire, comfort, and arousal. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for sexual dysfunction, mindfulness-based sex therapy, and couples counselling all have strong clinical evidence alongside or instead of pharmacological options.

Read more: Female libido causes and treatments — Cleveland Clinic ↗