Low libido means a reduced interest in sexual activities. It is common for a woman to lose her interest in sexual activities at some point in life. Therefore, the levels of libido will constantly vary for a woman during certain life transitions (i.e., pregnancy, menopause, etc). It is also a normal scenario wherein the interest of a woman may not match with her respective partners. But when the levels of libido are low for a long period of time it may be a situation that may require professional medical help.

In some cases, low libido could also at times be an indication of another underlying health condition. The following are the causes of low libido in women:

1. Low hormone levels
The hormone estrogen can change and even drop during certain life transitions. For instance, during pregnancy, and after giving birth particulary when breast-feeding, hormones may functuate, body image may change, and fatigue may cause a new mother to lose interest in sex. Menopause is another period where estrogen can become lower, causing vaginal dryness, even painful sex, and reduced libido.

2. Medications
When a woman takes some sort of medications hormonal levels may also begin to drop that will subsequently lead to a decrease in the levels of the libido. Some of the prospective medications, such antidepressants (or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are known to lower libido.

3. Chronic conditions
When a woman is unwell because of the effects of a chronic ailment like arthritis or cancer, the pain may cause the interest in sex to diminish. The libido may also be affected due to several other illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and neurological diseases. A study also pinpoints obstructive sleep apnea with reduced libido, due to the chronic fatigue and irritability it may cause if left untreated.

4. Depression
All parts of a woman’s body may be affected due to depression. Those suffering from depression face a decrease or are completely disinterested in activities that they used to find pleasing one of which could be sex. As mentioned, ow libido is a significant side effect of certain antidepressants.

5. Chronic stress or trauma
If a woman is suffering from long term anxiety due to an ongoing event (i.e., divorce, job loss, etc.) the interest in sexual activities maydrop. This is due to stress affecting the levels of hormones in the body. Lowered confidence, low self-esteem and a poor image can affect wellbeing and libido.