What is loss of female libido?

Libido means your desire for sexual activity — your sex drive.

Sex drive is different for everyone. It can change over time and may vary between relationships or different life situations.

Low libido is the most common sexual concern in females.

Read more about female sexual problems.

Read about loss of male libido.

What causes loss of female libido?

Your interest in sex can be affected by many factors.

Libido may decrease as you get older.

Hormone changes

Changes in hormone levels can also affect your libido. These may include:

• hormonal changes during perimenopause or menopause
• some forms of contraception (birth control)
• pregnancy or breastfeeding

Read more about sex during pregnancy and sex after having a baby.

Relationship and emotional factors

Relationship and emotional factors may also affect your sex drive, such as:

• feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner
• difficulty communicating your sexual needs
• lack of privacy
• changes in your partner's sexual function
• body image concerns
• sexual beliefs, culture or religious background — such as beliefs about initiating sex or saying no to sex

Other causes

Other causes of low libido may include:

• tiredness or stress
• a history of unwanted sexual contact
• difficulty reaching orgasm
• alcohol, smoking or illegal drug use
• some medicines — such as pain medicines or medicines for anxiety or depression
• medical conditions — such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and arthritis
• painful sex

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if:

• your low sex drive is causing distress
• it has lasted for 6 months or more
• you also have other sexual symptoms, such as pain during sex or difficulty reaching orgasm
• you have symptoms of anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns
• you are worried about how menopause or hormone changes are affecting your sex life
• you think a medicine you are taking may be affecting your libido
• Your doctor should take a sensitive and respectful approach when talking about sexual health. You can bring a friend or partner with you to see your doctor if you like.

How is loss of female libido treated?

Treatment depends on what is affecting your sex drive and whether it is causing you distress. It does not always need treatment unless it is bothering you.

Self-care at home

You may find it helpful to:

• learn that low libido is common, especially around menopause
• understand that desire may change — you may feel interested in sex after stimulation rather than before
• reduce stress from work, finances or family
• focus on your overall health and wellbeing
• improve your sleep

If you are living with overweight or obesity, losing weight may help improve your sex drive.

Talk openly with your partner about how you are feeling and what helps you feel connected. Sometimes, planning time for intimacy can help.

Medicines

If a medicine is affecting your sex drive, your doctor may change the dose or suggest another option. Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

If you are perimenopausal or menopausal, your doctor may suggest menopausal hormone therapy.

Some medicines can help treat vaginal dryness and make sex more comfortable.

There are limited medicine options to treat low libido in females.

Other treatment options

If stress from work, finances or family is affecting your sex drive, seeing a psychologist or social worker may help.

If relationship problems are contributing, relationship counselling may be helpful.

Psychological therapies that may help include:

• counselling (including relationship counselling)
• cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
• psychotherapy
• mindfulness

Your doctor may also refer you to a sexual health specialist.

What are the complications of loss of female libido?

Loss of libido may:

• lead to stress
• affect relationships
• lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment

Can loss of female libido be prevented?

Living a healthy lifestyle may lower your chance of low libido.

Resources and support

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health has information on what can affect your sex life. They also offer expert tips on how to boost your libido.
• Sexual Health Victoria provides information on libido.
• Inner West Women's Health has information on sexual difficulties and low libido.
• The Australian Menopause Society offers fact sheets on how menopause may affect your sex life.
• Family Planning Australia provides information on treatment for females who experience sexual arousal problems after menopause.
• The Australian Government provides sexual health contacts.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has information about sexuality, relationships and sexual health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Take Blaktion, from NSW Health's Play Safe campaign, has information about orgasm and other sexual health terms and topics for Aboriginal communities.

Languages other than English

Healthy Horizons provides translated information on libido.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

Trans Health Research has information about testosterone options for sexually and gender-diverse people.

QLife has free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral, so you can talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

1800 My Options has sexual and reproductive health information for LGBTQIA+ people.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia has a Genders, Bodies and Relationships Passport. This is a tool to support clear communication between intersex, trans and gender diverse people, and health and social care services.