Today we are going to talk about a sexual health disorder that you may have never heard of. I did not hear about it until I started researching the causes of low libido. Today's topic of discussion is HSDD, a disorder that 10% of women will experience at some point in their life. 

What is HSDD? 

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a medical condition in which there is a recurrent lack of sexual desire that causes distress. It is more extreme than low libido and requires a medical diagnosis. The lack of libido must cause emotional distress to be classified as HSDD. 

Fluctuations in libido are normal and you may feel low libido at specific points in your cycle, this does not mean you have HSDD. HSDD is consistently having low libido, not just a lack of interest. HSDD is a medical condition. HSDD is diagnosed when low libido is not due to pregnancy, menopause, or extreme stress. 

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What Causes HSDD?

HSDD can be caused by several different things including the following:

-Hormonal Imbalances (low testosterone, estrogen imbalances, thyroid dysfunction)

-Mental Health Factors (stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD)

-Chronic Illnesses (endometriosis, PCOS, autoimmune conditions)

-Medications (birth control, antidepressants)

-Lifestyle factors (poor diet, poor sleep, excessive alcohol use)

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Symptoms of HSDD

HSDD requires a medical diagnosis. If you have these symptoms please talk to your doctor. 

• Persistent lack of interest in sexual activity.
• Distress or frustration about low libido.
• Lack of sexual thoughts or fantasies.
• Relationship struggles due to changes in intimacy.

How HSDD Affects Overall Health & Relationships

HSDD can cause emotional and psychological distress and frustration which can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, etc. 

HSDD can cause low self-esteem and body image issues. HSDD can cause women to feel like their bodies don't work. 

HSDD can negatively affect romantic relationships leading to communication difficulties, lack of intimacy, frustration, etc. 

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Natural Ways to Support Libido & Hormonal Health (I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice)

• Nutrition: Whole foods, hormone-balancing diets, key nutrients (zinc, magnesium, omega-3s)
• Lifestyle Changes: Sleep hygiene, exercise, stress management, cycle syncing
• Herbs & Supplements: Maca root, ashwagandha, magnesium (I like these products: Maca Collagen Cacao from Funk It and Sex Dust from Moon Juice)
• Addressing Root Causes: Functional testing for hormones, working with a health coach or doctor

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Seeking Professional Help

If you read this post and thought "Wow, this sounds like me!" You should contact your doctor for a chat. I would suggest talking to your OB-GYN or PCP (if you have a good relationship with them). I only go to doctors if I feel like they actually listen to me and want to help. There are doctors out there who do not listen and we do not want them as our doctors. 

If you see a therapist, you may also want to bring it up with them. They may be able to offer you solutions or refer you to a sexual health therapist. 

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You do not have to suffer in silence. Talk to a friend or family member that you trust. Talk to your doctor. Talk to your therapist. You are not alone!