Our team of doctors at Atlas Men’s Clinic dedicates services to connecting men like you with the best information on their health. Here, we break down libido and testosterone and how they’re connected.
Defining the terms
It’s important to break down what libido and testosterone are individually. Here’s a closer look at both.
Libido
Libido in a man is also known as his sex drive or appetite. Influenced by a symbiotic relationship between hormones and brain function, libido varies widely from person to person; some have a “high” libido, and others have a “low” libido. It can also fluctuate based on your emotional state, hormone levels, and physical health.
A low sex drive isn’t a serious health concern in and of itself, but it can lead to frustrating mental and emotional health issues. It also usually indicates an underlying health condition that needs addressing.
Testosterone
Testosterone is an androgen, a male sex hormone that plays a role in the reproduction, growth, and maintenance of a healthy body. It’s most often associated with its effect on sex drive and sperm production, but it also impacts bone and muscle mass, fat storage, mood, and even red blood cell production.
Men produce testosterone in their testicles, with the highest production starting in puberty and tapering off around age 30. As testosterone levels drop, it affects everything from your hair and skin to your mental health and cognitive functioning.
Understanding the connection
Testosterone and libido have a very close connection. Steady levels of testosterone contribute to a robust and consistent sex drive. When your testosterone levels start to dip, your libido often follows.
Low testosterone (also called low T) is almost always a natural part of aging, but there are a few factors that can cause them to drop, such as:
- Injury
- Cancer treatments
- Alcohol abuse
- Chronic kidney failure
- Metabolic disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnea
If you’ve ever used anabolic steroids, you’re also at risk for low T. Simple lab work, including blood tests, can tell us if your testosterone levels have dropped; however, low libido is often one of the first signs.
Low libido often causes symptoms such as:
- Loss of desire for your partner
- Disinterest in masturbation
- Few or no sexual fantasies
- Stress or concerns about a lack of interest in sex
Low testosterone isn’t the only threat to your sex drive. Your libido can also take a hit if you have underlying health problems, like diabetes and high blood pressure, mental health issues, relationships, pain during sex, chronic fatigue, drug or alcohol abuse, and self-esteem issues.
Knowing your options
Low testosterone levels can trigger an avalanche that drags your sexual and overall health.
Fortunately, there’s hope in treatment. We have years of experience helping men find optimal health and sexual performance. We begin treating low T with hormone replacement therapy in an injection, patch, gel, or implanted pellet.
We work with you to combat low libido by helping you make positive lifestyle changes, such as:
- Getting more exercise
- Following a healthy diet
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
Therapy sessions focused on resolving sexual issues and certain medications can also help satisfy your frustrations with your sex life.
Have more questions about your sexual health? We’d love to answer them all. Call or book online to schedule a visit with Dr. Grewal to learn more.