While most people might think of a high sex drive as a masculine thing, women can also experience it too. In fact, it can even change based on when you’re ovulating or going through perimenopause and menopause.
Your libido can be affected by many factors, from hormonal fluctuations to certain medications. If you’re experiencing a higher-than-normal sexual drive, read on to learn what could be causing it.
1. Hormones
Many people think sex drive is only something that men have, but women’s hormone levels can also influence their desire. The sex hormones estrogen and progesterone have an important role to play in both the female menstrual cycle and the sexual experience, while testosterone is necessary for sperm production.
For most menstruating women, their libido is highest during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle, and again during the days leading up to and after that. During these times, high levels of the sex hormone testosterone increase the desire for physical intimacy.
As a woman approaches menopause, her levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to drop. This can cause vaginal dryness, hot flashes and anxiety, all of which can impact a woman’s libido.
Certain medications like antidepressants, SSRIs and birth control pills are known to squash libido in some women, but the good news is that adjusting these medications or going off them can help boost arousal again. It is important to talk with a healthcare provider or therapist if you’re concerned about your lack of interest in sex.
2. Stress
Women’s libidos and sexual desires are highly individual and vary widely between people. If a woman’s low libido causes her serious distress, she should seek help, and there are treatment options available. Whether it’s counseling or medications, a doctor can help address the underlying factors contributing to her decreased interest in physical intimacy. For example, premenopausal women can use nonhormonal medications like Addyi or Vyleesi to stimulate neurotransmitters that promote sexual desire.
Some women also experience a boost in their libido when they exercise. This is because exercising helps to reduce fat and increase muscle, which can make a woman feel more sexy. Another way to improve sex drive is to reduce stress, which can lower estrogen and arousal levels. Meditation, yoga, abseiling and other hobbies are great ways to do this. Women who are struggling to cope with major life changes can also benefit from therapy, especially if it includes work on communication and conflict resolution.
3. Exercise
Women who exercise are likely to have a higher libido than those who live a sedentary lifestyle. This is because the body produces more estrogen and testosterone when exercising. These hormones play an important role in sexual desire.
Another possible reason for a high sex drive is that the activity is an excellent form of stress relief. Exercise can also help to reduce feelings of fatigue and depression, both of which can contribute to a low sex drive.
There is no right or wrong amount of sex drive, and it ebbs and flows throughout the day and over time. Women’s libido can also fluctuate between menstrual cycles and during pregnancy and childbirth.
There is nothing wrong with having a high sex drive, but it is important to maintain a healthy balance between physical and mental health. Some people find that they are able to channel their energy into other activities, such as long distance running or dance classes, and this can be an effective way to keep a high sex drive under control. It is also important to discuss any changes in libido with your partner so that you can work together to navigate them effectively.
4. Mental health
Often, emotional issues can impact sexual desire. For example, stress and anxiety can lead to a decrease in libido. Finding ways to manage these issues, such as through therapy or meditation, can help improve libido. It is also important to communicate with your partner if they are having emotional difficulties that may be impacting your sex drive.
A low sex drive is also a sign of an underlying medical issue. Talking with your primary care doctor or OB-GYN can be helpful in determining the root cause of the problem. Some medications can also impact sex drive, such as birth control pills, antidepressants and blood pressure medication.
A healthy lifestyle can help support sex drive, including getting enough sleep, exercise and practicing self-care. It is also important to maintain a positive attitude and seek out socialization with others. If a low sex drive continues to interfere with daily activities or your relationship, then seek professional help from a therapist who specializes in sexual compulsions. Your doctor can also prescribe sex hormones such as estrogen or testosterone for women, or arousal-enhancing drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Levitra) and vardenafil (Cialis) for men, or the nonhormone medications flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) for premenopausal women.
5. Physical health
Many women find that their libido rises or falls for a variety of reasons. For example, hormones can play a big role in sexual desire, and they’re usually at their highest when ovulation occurs. This happens 10-16 days before your period begins. A woman’s libido can also spike or dip depending on her overall health and diet. Exercising regularly, avoiding overindulging in junk food and alcohol can all have an impact.
Some medications can also affect a woman’s libido. This is particularly true of certain drugs used to treat mental health conditions like depression or autoimmune disorders, as well as some blood pressure medicines and antidepressants.
If you’re experiencing a sudden change in your libido, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Talking to a doctor or therapist specializing in sexual compulsion or addiction can help you identify any underlying issues and figure out the best way to manage them. For example, a sex therapist can help you learn to channel your sexual energy into other activities that will bring you the same satisfaction.
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