What affects sex drive in men and women, and can Ayurveda help improve it? - #14613
Lately, I’ve noticed a drop in my sex drive, and I’m not sure why. I used to have a normal interest in intimacy, but now I often feel tired or just not in the mood. I don’t know if it’s stress, hormones, or something else, but I want to figure out what’s causing it. What are the most common reasons for low sex drive in both men and women? Could it be due to things like poor diet, lack of sleep, or emotional stress? I also read that hormonal imbalances—like low testosterone in men or low estrogen in women—can affect sex drive. How can I tell if that’s the issue? I’m also curious about natural ways to boost sex drive without relying on medications. Are there Ayurvedic herbs or remedies that actually help? I’ve seen mentions of ashwagandha, shilajit, and safed musli, but do they really work? How long does it take to notice an improvement? If anyone has struggled with low sex drive and found effective ways to improve it, please share your experience. What helped you the most—lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, or medical treatments?
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Common causes of low sex drive in both men and women can include:
Stress and Emotional Factors: Anxiety, depression, and relationship issues can significantly impact libido. Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol, smoking, and lack of exercise all play a role. Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone in men and low estrogen or progesterone in women are major contributors. Thyroid issues can also affect libido. Medications: Certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or birth control pills can decrease sex drive. Chronic Illness: Conditions like diabetes, obesity, or heart disease may also reduce libido.
So, you’re feeling a drop in sex drive and it’s totally normal to wonder why! Honestly, there’s so many factors that come into play: emotional stress, lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, and other health issues. Things like stress at work, or even at home, can really put a damper on your libido. Emotional tension engages the mind in different worries and affects arousal in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Now speaking of hormones, you mentioned testosterone and estrogen, and you’re spot on. A disruption in these levels messes with desire, both in men and women. If you’re suspecting a hormonal thing, it’s worth chatting with a healthcare provider to rule it out, since confirming this requires some tests.
But diet and lifestyle changes gotta good shot at making a difference, this where Ayurveda shines! Poor diet, irregular meals—those play a part as they affect your agni (digestive fire) leading to imbalance. Sleeping poor too influences your energy levels and mood, right? So aiming for a balanced veg-heavy diet, cutting back on overly spicy or greasy foods, and sleeping like a champ will definitely help.
For the herbal route, yes ashwagandha, shilajit, and safed musli can be beneficial. Ashwagandha and shilajit are great for reducing stress and boosting vital energy—your ojas—which is essentially what keeps your libido thriving. Start with ashwagandha powder, like 1/4 teaspoon, mixed with warm milk before bed. Safed musli is often taken in powdered form too, same dosages, twice a day. Usually, it takes about a few weeks before you start feeling any differences, but be patient!
Honestly, some people thrive with just herbal remedies, while others need more comprehensive lifestyle shifts. Stick with balanced meals, regular sleep (try to aim for 7-8 hours), daily gentle exercise, and the above herbs. Remember, what works best can vary widely, so keep an open mind and experiment a little. And if things still feel off, do reach out to a professional for advice.

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.