High Libido: Symptoms, Causes and Management of Increased Sex Drive
Libido, also known as your sex drive or sexual desire, is influenced by various factors.
Your body’s hormones, like Testosterone and Estrogen, play a role.
Mental state, including stress levels and the quality of your relationships, may also play a role.
High or low libido can be a bit tricky to define.
What’s considered “normal” can vary from person to person, depending on individual differences.
In this article, we will understand the various reasons for a high libido, its symptoms and ways to manage the same.
Six possible reasons for a high libido
Sometimes, you might wonder why your sex drive is higher than usual.
Here are six reasons for that:
Hormone changes
Your body’s hormones, like Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone, can change over time or even during the day.
These changes can affect your sex drive.
For women, a rise in Estrogen levels before and during ovulation can boost sex drive, while men with high Testosterone levels often have a stronger libido.
Younger men and athletes who use steroids might also have higher Testosterone levels.
In some cases, hormone therapies, such as those for Menopause or bone loss, can lead to increased sex drive in women.
If you’re taking low-dose Estrogen therapy alongside Testosterone for postmenopausal reasons, it could also increase your sex drive.
Puberty and aging
It’s common for younger folks to have a higher sex drive than older adults.
During puberty, teenage boys experience a tenfold increase in Testosterone production, which explains their heightened interest in sex.
On the flip side, middle-aged women may have a stronger sex drive than younger women.
Exercise and weight loss
Increased physical activity or shedding some pounds can also elevate your sex drive.
In a small study from 2018, researchers discovered a positive link between being physically fit and having a higher sex drive, particularly in women.
Cardiovascular endurance plays a big role.
Physical activity can make us feel more connected to our bodies, boosting self-confidence and, in turn, making us more inclined to engage in intimate activities.
Positive relationships
Your sex drive can get a boost when you’re in a satisfying sexual relationship compared to previous ones.
If sex is a good and pleasurable experience, it naturally makes you want more of it.
On the flip side, if past experiences were less enjoyable, it could lead to a decreased interest in sex.
Stress levels
Your sex drive might surge when you’re less stressed.
High stress triggers the release of Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, which can reduce your desire for intimacy.
A study from 2008 showed that women who had lower Cortisol levels had higher sex drives.
Therefore, if you’ve been feeling less stressed lately, it could explain the increase in your sex drive.
While sex is a physical activity, it’s equally about the mental and psychological aspects that come into play.
Changes in medication can affect your sex drive
If you’ve noticed a sudden shift in your sex drive, it might be due to recent changes in your medication, like stopping or reducing your dosage.
Certain medications, especially antidepressants, can affect your sexual desire.
A 2016 report found that 40% of people with sexual issues could link them to antidepressant use.
Other medications that might affect your sex drive include those for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive medications), Anti-Mania drugs like Lithium, and hormones such as Lupron or Zoladex.
So, if you’ve recently discontinued one of these medications, it could be the reason behind your higher-than-normal sex drive.
Recognizing symptoms of high libido: When to seek help
Addressing Hypersexuality, a somewhat controversial issue in mental health, relies on anecdotal rather than rigorous diagnosis.
If the following symptoms persist for six months or longer, consider seeking assistance:
- Interference with daily life: Engaging in sexual behaviors that regularly disrupt your responsibilities and normal activities
- Intense sexual urges: Experiencing recurring and powerful sexual desires, fantasies, or behaviors
- Lack of control: Inability to manage or reduce these urges, fantasies, or behaviors despite repeated attempts
- Deceptive behavior: Lying to conceal problematic sexual actions driven by compulsions
- Mood associations: Noticing a connection between these behaviors and mood issues like depression, anxiety, or boredom
- Remorse and distress: Experiencing feelings of regret or significant mental distress regularly due to these behaviors
- Risk-taking: Participating in sexual experiences despite the potential for emotional or physical harm to yourself or others
Compulsive sexual behavior stemming from an exceptionally high libido frequently remains unnoticed or untreated.
This continues until it results in severe medical problems, family and relationship difficulties, or public consequences like job loss or legal issues.
However, professionals can offer assistance before matters escalate to such levels.
How to manage high libido
There are ways to deal with a high libido that’s affecting your life.
Here are ways to manage it effectively:
Diet
Dietary changes may influence your libido.
Some foods, known as Aphrodisiacs, can boost desire, while Anaphrodisiacs can lower it.
However, altering your diet solely to decrease sex drive may impact your overall health.
Limited research supports Anaphrodisiac herbs like licorice and soy’s effect on Testosterone and libido.
A Mediterranean diet could help with sexual dysfunction, but its impact on sex drive isn’t conclusive.
Psychotherapy
If the cause isn’t physical, therapy can help.
It allows you to explore the reasons behind your high libido and learn management techniques.
You can choose between one-on-one, family, or group therapy sessions based on your comfort level.
Relationships
If you’re in a relationship and seeking satisfaction, open communication with your partner is crucial.
Discuss how to make sex mutually fulfilling.
Medication
In some cases, your doctor might recommend medications to reduce sexual urges.
There are some factors that reduce sex drive.
They include Corticosteroids, Chemotherapy, hormones, Opioids, and more.
Consult your doctor to assess how prescribed medications might affect your sex drive.
Avoid illicit drugs
Certain illicit drugs like Cocaine and Methamphetamines can increase your sex drive.
Reducing or quitting their use can help lower your libido.
While quitting can be challenging, support groups and services can assist you.
For guidance on overcoming drug use, consider reaching out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 800-662-4357.
Conclusion
A high libido or increased sex drive, can be influenced by various factors.
Hormonal changes, such as Estrogen and Testosterone levels, mental state, and relationship quality, all play a role.
It’s important to note that what’s considered “normal” can vary from person to person.
Managing a high libido involves dietary considerations, psychotherapy, communication in relationships, potential medication, and the avoidance of illicit drugs.
If sexual behaviors interfere with daily life, intense urges are unmanageable, or you experience distress, seeking help is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is high libido?
A high libido, also known as a strong sex drive, means having a greater desire for sexual activity. Factors like hormones, relationships, and stress levels influence it. What’s considered “high” varies between individuals, but it generally involves a frequent interest in sexual experiences.
How does high libido affect sex drive?
High libido and sex drive go hand in hand. Having a high libido means a strong desire for sexual activity, which often leads to a more active and fulfilling sex life. It’s influenced by factors like hormonal changes, positive relationships, exercise, and reduced stress levels.
Why do I have a high sex drive?
A high sex drive can result from various factors. Hormonal changes, such as increased Testosterone or Estrogen, can play a role. Physical fitness, fulfilling relationships, and lower stress levels can also contribute to a heightened desire for sex. It’s essential to remember that what’s considered “high” varies among individuals.
What can I do to have a satisfying intimate life?
To have a satisfying intimate life, consider factors like maintaining a healthy body, building positive relationships, managing stress, and discussing any medication-related issues with a healthcare professional. Understanding your own desires and those of your partner is vital in achieving a fulfilling and enjoyable intimate life.
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