Low Libido? Your Hormones Might Be the Problem
Here’s the truth: Your hormones control your sex drive.
If your sex drive isn’t what it used to be, you’re not alone. Millions of men struggle with low libido, but instead of addressing the root cause, most are told to “just deal with it” or take a pill.
Here’s the truth: Your hormones control your sex drive. If your testosterone, cortisol, or other key hormones are out of balance, your libido is going to take a hit.
Let’s break down exactly why this happens—and what you can do to fix it.
The #1 Libido Killer: Low Testosterone
Testosterone is the main driver of libido, energy, and performance in men. If it’s low, your desire will be too.
Signs of Low Testosterone
Less interest in sex
Weaker erections
Fatigue and lack of motivation
Difficulty building muscle
Increased belly fat
What Lowers Testosterone?
Chronic stress (raises cortisol, which lowers T)
Poor sleep (testosterone is produced at night)
Processed foods and seed oils (increase estrogen)
Lack of strength training (muscle-building boosts T)
Too much alcohol or nicotine (both suppress hormone production)
How to Fix It
Strength train 3–5 times per week
Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep
Eat a high-protein, whole-food diet
Boost zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D levels
Cut down on processed foods, alcohol, and nicotine
Testosterone doesn’t just affect libido—it controls your confidence, energy, and overall drive. If your T is low, fixing it will transform how you feel in every aspect of life.
The Stress Connection: How Cortisol Kills Sex Drive
Cortisol, your stress hormone, is the enemy of testosterone. When cortisol is high, testosterone is low.
How Stress Lowers Libido
Increases anxiety, making arousal more difficult
Drains testosterone and energy levels
Raises inflammation, leading to poor blood flow
How to Fix It
Get morning sunlight to regulate stress hormones
Limit caffeine after noon (too much spikes cortisol)
Take 10-minute walks after meals to reduce stress
Try cold exposure (ice baths, cold showers) to reset stress responses
Managing stress isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about performing better, too.
The Hidden Libido Killers: Estrogen & Prolactin
Most guys think of testosterone as the only important hormone, but other hormones can impact sex drive, too.
Too Much Estrogen = Low Libido & High Body Fat
Estrogen naturally exists in men, but if it’s too high, it can kill libido.
Processed foods, plastics, and excessive alcohol can all increase estrogen.
Signs include belly fat, mood swings, and low energy.
Fix it by avoiding BPA (in plastics) and eating cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) to clear out excess estrogen.
High Prolactin = No Desire for Sex
Prolactin is the hormone that rises after orgasm, which is why sex drive temporarily drops afterward.
Chronically high prolactin levels, often caused by stress or medications, can lead to a constant lack of desire.
Fix it by managing stress, getting enough zinc, and checking medications that may raise prolactin.
Blood Flow & Libido: Why Nitric Oxide Matters
Hormones are only part of the equation—good circulation is just as important. If blood flow is poor, libido and performance will suffer.
How to Improve Blood Flow
Eat beets, dark chocolate, and leafy greens to boost nitric oxide levels
Exercise regularly (especially strength training and HIIT)
Take L-citrulline or arginine supplements to enhance circulation
Better blood flow = stronger libido and better performance.
The Bottom Line: Fix Your Hormones, Fix Your Libido
Low libido isn’t just “aging” or “stress.” It’s a sign that your hormones are out of balance.
If you want to restore your sex drive, energy, and confidence, start by fixing testosterone, cortisol, and blood flow.
Lift heavy, eat clean, and get quality sleep
Manage stress and cut out endocrine disruptors
Support nitric oxide levels for better circulation
Your libido is a reflection of your overall health. Get your hormones in check, and you’ll feel the difference—in and out of the bedroom.
CODEX
The Art of Aging Well
A revolutionary approach, created by award-winning, board-certified physician and surgeon, Dr. Peter Marta, combining the precision of conventional medicine and the nuance of functional medicine. At the heart of Codex is hormone optimization, with a comprehensive system addressing seven core areas vital for men’s wellness. What even many physicians overlook is that hormonal health and gut health are inextricably linked—you can’t have one without the other. Codex addresses these connections, unlocking vitality and balance through a tailored, easy-to-follow, scientific approach.
