For many people, a decrease in libido happens gradually: less desire for physical contact, fewer fantasies, more difficulty “connecting” with a partner. It’s not just a phase of tiredness, but a change that can last for months and create personal and relationship discomfort.

In women, low sexual desire tends to appear especially during periods of major hormonal fluctuations—such as pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause—or when painful intercourse and chronic stress are present. A decrease in libido in men is more often connected with erectile problems, chronic illnesses, and performance pressure. In both cases, the question is similar: understanding whether it is something temporary or a true disorder, and what tools are available to address it, from lifestyle changes to natural remedies and the possible role of CBD.

Symptoms of low libido in men and women

Describing symptoms clearly helps distinguish a simple “down phase” from a situation that deserves clinical attention. The most common sign is a reduced interest in sex. A drop in sexual desire results in less initiative and curiosity toward erotic connection, along with a tendency to postpone or avoid intimate moments.

In men, low sexual desire may commonly be accompanied by:

● Onset of performance anxiety,
● Less spontaneous and/or less stable erections,
● A feeling of not being “up to the situation.”

Low libido in women, on the other hand, often appears with:

● Little (or absent) arousal;
● Difficulty reaching orgasm;
● Reduced lubrication;
● Pain during intercourse, especially in menopause.

Low libido in menopause is often described as a loss of natural ease in intimacy. During pregnancy and after childbirth, decreased libido is more likely due to fatigue, interrupted sleep, bodily changes, and concern for the baby.

If these changes last for several months, they can create distress and affect the couple’s relationship. In such cases, it is no longer just a physiological variation but a possible desire disorder that requires a structured evaluation.

Main causes of low libido

The cause of low libido is almost never just one. Biological factors (hormones, illnesses, medications), psychological factors (anxiety, low mood, feelings about one’s body), and relational factors (communication, conflicts, the couple’s history) usually combine. For this reason, looking for a single, quick remedy is not very helpful: the most effective approach starts with a thorough understanding of the symptom’s history.

Physical causes of low libido

On a physical level, low libido can be linked to:

●      Variations in testosterone,

●      thyroid disorders,

●      diabetes,

●      obesity,

●      cardiovascular diseases,

●      metabolic syndrome,

●      chronic pain conditions.

In addition, many medications (antidepressants, antihypertensives, antiepileptics) can contribute to low libido in both men and women. Hormonal therapies can also have an impact, reducing desire or interfering with arousal.

For women, the transition toward menopause is a particularly delicate time, involving:

●      A drop in estrogen,

●      sleep disturbances,

●      hot flashes,

●      genitourinary pain.

All these factors can contribute to a decrease in sexual desire. Even the relationship between the pill and low libido is complex: some women report a reduction in desire, others notice no change, and some even report improvement—confirming the strong individual variability. In men, low libido can signal hypogonadism or a vascular issue and is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor sleep.

Psychological causes of decreased libido

Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are among the factors most consistently associated with decreased desire. A day filled with urgent demands, high mental load, financial or work difficulties leaves little inner space for sexuality; it is not uncommon for low libido to begin during a particularly intense period and then persist even after the emergency has passed.

In patients with anxiety or mood disorders, desire is often one of the first dimensions to decrease; in depressive disorders in particular, low libido due to psychological causes is part of the clinical picture, not a secondary aspect. In relationships, unresolved conflicts, poor communication about pleasure, and negative experiences related to sexuality can reinforce the problem—especially for women, who often find themselves dealing with years of adaptation and self-denial.

Natural remedies to stimulate sexual desire

Lifestyle, physical activity, and stress management are the three main pillars in the search for natural remedies against low libido. Specifically:

·       Nutrition: A balanced diet with attention to weight, metabolic health, and cardiovascular health supports the biological mechanisms underlying desire. Conversely, a diet high in sugars and saturated fats, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, increases the risk of fatigue and reduced libido.

·       Physical activity: Practiced regularly, it is one of the best-documented non-pharmacological remedies for low libido. Exercise improves mood, modulates stress response, promotes more regular sleep, and increases the perception of physical efficiency and comfort with one’s body. Sleep quality is also crucial: chronic sleep restriction or frequent awakenings are linked to decreased sexual desire in both sexes.

·       Stress management: This can be improved through psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or couples therapy, which can bring sexuality back into a less judgmental and more exploratory context.

In cases of low libido in women, natural remedies may include, in coordination with a gynecologist, non-hormonal local treatments to reduce pain and sex therapy approaches focused on gradual progress and rediscovering pleasure.

CBD and sexual well-being

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound from Cannabis sativa, distinct from both recreational preparations and generic hemp-based products. In clinical settings, it has been studied mainly for its potential effects on anxiety, stress response, inflammation, and chronic pain—factors that often contribute to decreased libido.

How does it work? It interacts indirectly with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating mood, stress reactivity, and certain aspects of motivation, including sexual motivation. Controlled studies indicate that, in specific contexts, it may help reduce anxiety levels and modulate the physiological hyperactivation linked to stress.

How does this connect to the sexual sphere and, specifically, to libido? For some people, this improvement in emotional tone may translate into greater openness to intimacy and a reduction in intrusive thoughts that interfere with desire.

Evidence on a direct link between CBD and increased libido remains under investigation: there are no approved indications for treating low libido, and the compound should be considered as a possible indirect support, not a specific solution for sexuality.

How to use CBD to support libido

Before introducing cannabidiol, it is necessary to clarify the overall clinical picture, the likely causes of low libido, current medications, and the presence of conditions such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or liver disease.

Using CBD for sexual well-being only makes sense as part of a broader path that includes lifestyle interventions, possible psychological or sex therapy, and appropriate treatment of underlying conditions.

In practice, it may be considered in situations where marked anxiety, hyper-vigilance, or chronic pain contribute to maintaining low sexual desire—whether in men or women—despite first-line interventions. It is essential to follow medical guidance regarding the choice of formulation, method of use, monitoring, and possible interactions, avoiding DIY approaches and keeping a clear distinction from any recreational cannabis use.

For the non-medical side—related to general well-being and everyday stress management—it may be helpful to explore the topic of hemp oils with CBD designed for balance and relaxation. In this context, those who wish to learn more about routine wellness solutions can consult the Eusphera CBD oil collection, created to accompany moments of greater tension and promote better self-awareness.

In any case, cannabidiol represents an additional component, not the core of treatment. The goal remains to build, over time, a more serene sexuality that aligns with one’s health condition, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions, and considering CBD as a possible support in cases where anxiety and stress play a central role.