Low libido in women is common and usually has an identifiable cause, such as stress, exhaustion, hormone changes, medication side effects, relationship strain or painful sex. Natural steps like better sleep, regular exercise, stress management, more foreplay and therapy can help many women. For those whose low desire causes real distress, there are also prescription options. The first step is figuring out what’s driving the change.
The bigger shift is how doctors talk about it. On Dec. 15, 2025, the FDA approved Addyi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women under 65. The pill was originally approved in 2015 only for premenopausal women. Low desire after menopause is now treated as a medical issue, not something women are expected to quietly accept.
What causes low libido in women?
There’s usually more than one cause. Anxiety, depression and daily stress can reduce desire, and so can caring for children or aging parents. Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and thyroid problems can also affect sex drive, according to Well-Life Hospital. Medications often contribute, especially antidepressants called SSRIs, some blood pressure drugs and certain birth control pills. Menopause lowers estrogen, which can cause vaginal dryness and make sex uncomfortable. When sex hurts, desire often drops.
Relationship issues matter too. Ongoing conflict, poor communication or a partner who doesn’t understand what feels good can follow you into the bedroom, according to Associates in Women’s Healthcare.
How can you boost your libido naturally?
Start with stress and sleep. A small 2015 study cited by Medical News Today found women who slept longer the night before reported more sexual desire the next day. Regular exercise improves mood, energy and body confidence. A diet with plenty of vegetables, lean protein and less sugar supports circulation and heart health, which affect sexual response. Quitting smoking helps for the same reason.
Pleasure also affects desire. Research cited by Medical News Today found only about 18% of women orgasm from penetration alone. More time spent kissing, touching and on foreplay can make sex more satisfying, and better experiences often increase interest in sex.
Herbal supplements like maca, ginseng and ginkgo have limited evidence behind them, and the FDA doesn’t regulate them like medications. Some can interact with prescriptions, so talk to your doctor before trying them.
Does therapy help with low libido?
Yes. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help address negative beliefs about sex, body image concerns and anxiety. A 2018 trial of 198 women found it improved sexual relationships. Couples therapy can also help when desire problems are linked to conflict or emotional distance.
What is the new libido pill for women?
Addyi, also called flibanserin, works on brain chemistry instead of hormones. It’s taken daily and can take up to four weeks to work, but it isn’t meant for low desire caused by medical problems, mental health conditions, relationship issues or other medications. It also comes with an important warning. Addyi has a boxed warning because taking it with alcohol or certain medications can cause dangerously low blood pressure or fainting.
Experts still disagree about the diagnosis itself. The FDA rejected Addyi twice before approving it in 2015, citing modest effectiveness and side effects, and some psychologists argue low sex drive shouldn’t be treated as a medical problem.
Why should Black women pay attention?
Black women often carry a heavy load of caregiving, work stress and the pressure to be strong for everyone else. That kind of exhaustion affects desire. Research from the long-running SWAN study found that Black women tend to experience menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, for longer than women of other racial groups. That makes it especially important to raise sexual health with your doctor, even if they don’t bring it up first.
When should you see a doctor about low libido?
Talk to a doctor if your low libido starts suddenly, follows a new medication or surgery, comes with pain during sex or causes real distress in your relationship. A pelvic exam, medication review or hormone check can often identify the cause.
Low libido isn’t a personal failure. In most cases, it’s your body signaling that something needs attention, and the right fix depends on finding the cause.
This article is for informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for advice from your doctor.
