Fatigue and Libido: What You Need to Know

Fatigue and Your Libido: What You Need to Know 2 Many people suffer from low libido, a condition that often puts a damper on relationships and on life satisfaction in general. The cause of low libido is not always apparent, and there can be several contributing factors, including:

addiction to drugs, including alcohol and tobacco
stress from work or relationships
stress from parenthood
pain during sex
not being able to orgasm
prescription medications that can reduce libido, such as antidepressants
anxiety, depression and other psychiatric problems
pregnancy and breastfeeding
menopause
medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease
hypoactive sexual desire disorder
fatigue and libido are often linked

Possible Underlying Causes of Fatigue

These days, we live hectic and stressful lives. Low energy levels are incredibly common among the general populace, leading to problems like low libido. Understanding the real cause of your fatigue can allow for effective treatment, restoring your energy and rejuvenating your libido.

Lack of Sleep

Sleep problems very frequently cause those who suffer from them to experience excessive tiredness in the morning or throughout the day. Examples of sleep problems include insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea and erratic sleep schedules. Sleep problems may seem like they are very simple to fix, but in reality it can be nearly impossible, especially if one's erratic sleep schedule is caused by work shifts that they can't change.

Diet

Because many people don't eat a completely balanced diet and don't get enough sunlight, nutrient deficiencies are surprisingly common. Vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron and folic acid are some common nutrients that, when deficient, can cause fatigue. Your doctor can help you determine whether you really have a nutrient deficiency. If you do, it can be easily treated with supplements.

Metabolic and Hormonal Conditions

Metabolic and hormonal conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, liver disease and kidney disease very often cause fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is an under-recognized source of fatigue. This condition occurs when chronic stress causes the adrenal glands, which produce stress-related hormones, to become exhausted. This exhaustion causes many side effects including fatigue, allergies, weight gain and low libido.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A small percentage of people who complain of excess fatigue actually suffer from what is known as chronic fatigue syndrome. The cause of this syndrome is unknown. Because chronic fatigue syndrome has very specific diagnostic criteria, only your doctor can tell you whether you really suffer from this condition.

How to Beat Fatigue so You Can Get Your Love Life Back

Fatigue and Your Libido: What You Need to Know Fatigue is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, rather than a stand-alone symptom. Therefore, treating fatigue requires that all underlying conditions be treated properly. The majority of the common causes of fatigue need to be treated by a doctor or psychiatrist, so booking an appointment is the first step to conquering your fatigue.

Don’t despair: There are still things you can do in the meantime to boost your energy levels. Sometimes, fatigue is simply caused by poor lifestyle habits. Lifestyle changes you can make to improve your energy levels include:

Exercising regularly. Although exercise uses up some energy in the short run, in the long run it will actually relieve fatigue. Exercise also has the added benefit of boosting your mood, which is also helpful for increasing libido.
Healthy sleep habits. Make sleep a priority, and allow yourself enough time every night to get as much sleep as you need.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Junk foods can make you feel worse.
Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs.
Find healthy ways to cope with stress.

In addition to solving your fatigue problem, there are additional steps you can take to help you get your sex life back on track.

Open effective communication between you and your partner. Sometimes, couple's counseling may be necessary.
Make intimacy a priority. You may even need to schedule time for sex on your calendar. Although this may seem silly or forced, it's a great first step towards having more sex naturally.
Spice up your sex life with new positions, locations, sexual acts, toys, massage, or even just a weekend away together.
There are prescription drugs that can help libido, including flibanserin, a newly-approved yet somewhat controversial drug for low-libido women, as well as hormone medications for women in menopause.
Natural supplements such as ginseng, fenugreek and maca have been scientifically proven to improve libido. These supplements are widely available in liquid, powder and pill forms.