What affects sex drive in men and women, and can Ayurveda help improve it? - #14613

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.