A decreased sex drive (low libido) in women is often a symptom age-related hormonal imbalances, but could also be side effects associated with certain medications. Below is a list of diseases and conditions associated with symptoms like decreased sex drive, as well as a list of medications related to similar side effects. We are not medical professionals, and these may not be comprehensive lists. Please contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or side effects, or similar health issues.
Decreased Sex Drive In Women Is A Symptom Of
Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones have a direct affect on your sex drive and sexual function. Menopause, perimenopause, and pregnancy, as well as thyroid imbalance and other problems with the endocrine system can cause low sex drive.
Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis, cause chronic pain and fatigue that can lead to a low sex drive. To make matters worse, some of the medications used to treat these conditions can also lower libido. Autoimmune disorders are much more common in women than men.
Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety can lower sex drive because of the constant worrying and unpleasant thoughts and the physical inability to relax and achieve arousal. Depression often involves anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure including sexual pleasure and other activities such as eating. Both conditions can be a double whammy on the sex drive because many of the medications used to treat them also decrease libido in both men and women.
Dyspareunia: Dyspareunia is painful intercourse. There are many types of pain that can be involved including pain from lack of lubrication, muscle spasms in the vaginal wall, and pain from an injury or trauma. Once dyspareunia starts it can become a vicious cycle for women with fear of the pain causing decreased sex drive and an inability to become aroused, leading to more pain when intercourse is attempted.
Decreased Libido In Women Is A Side Effect Associated With
Yasmin: Yasmin and other combination birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that mimic estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy. Decreased sex drive is a common side effect of this type of oral contraceptive. Yasmin can also have fatal cardiovascular side effects.
Benadryl: Benadryl and other antihistamines are used to treat allergies by blocking histamines, a naturally occurring substance in the body, from attaching to and irritating cells. Antihistamines can have many debilitating side effects including extreme drowsiness, decreased sex drive, impaired thinking, depression, anxiety, and infertility on women.
Atenolol: Atenolol is a beat blocker used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, migraines, and sometimes to prevent heart attacks. Side effects of Atenolol can include decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving orgasm, depression, cold hands and feet, insomnia, anxiety, shortness of breath, and nausea.
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro are notorious for their ability to cause sexual dysfunction in men, but can also cause decreased sex drive in women. SSRIs can have other dangerous side effects including suicidal thoughts and rage.
Decreased Sex Drive in Men: A symptom of side effect?
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