Download Tune Up Your Sex Drive

Tune-Up Your Low Sex Drive
Dealing with Sexual Dysfunction, Low Libido, Reduced
Sex Drive, and Thyroid Disease / Hypothyroidism
According to a Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study
reported on in February 1999, about 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men
suffer sexual “difficulties” for one reason or another. The reasons cited included
low desire, performance anxiety, premature ejaculation and/or pain during
intercourse. Interestingly, this is thought to actually underestimate the real level
of sexual dysfunction in the U.S.
While the study didn't look at the specific physical causes of sexual dysfunction,
the research indicated that many of the sexual concerns were likely treatable, as
they are due to physical and health issues. These health concerns can include
common hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism.
How many people with sexual dysfunction may actually have underlying thyroid
disease that has not been diagnosed? It's not a question that has been
thoroughly researched, but it's certain that some of the people having a problem
could solve their sexual dysfunction problem in the first place by having their
thyroid function evaluated and treated.
How many people with low sex drive or sexual dysfunction also diagnosed as
being hypothyroid? Again, there are no specific statistics, but low libido is a
common -- but not often talked about -- symptom of hypothyroidism. It is also a
symptom that for everyone, unfortunately, does NOT disappear, despite what
doctors deem adequate treatment with levothyroxine into the normal range. Many
people -- women in particular -- still complain of a lack of sexual desire even after
their doctors consider the thyroid problem sufficiently treated. Low libido is just
one of many symptoms that are not resolved for many people, despite treatment.
If you suffer from sexual dysfunction, first, you need to be sure that your thyroid
is being fully treated, which means:
1. Make Sure Your Thyroid Drug Treatment is Optimal
Some people do not find their symptoms -- including sexual dysfunction -resolved in a levothyroxine/T4 only drug like Synthroid. Some people find that
their libido returns when their doctors switch them to a drug that contains T3, like
Thyrolar, or a natural thyroid drug like Armour that includes natural forms of T4
and T3. Others do well with the addition of Cytomel (synthetic T3) or time
released T3 to levothyroxine
The use of T3 with T4 replacement was not commonplace in the mainstream
medical community until research published in February of 1999. The New
England Journal of Medicine reported on a study that showed that many patients
feel better on a combination of T4 and T3, not T4 (i.e., Synthroid) alone. The
addition of T3 helped relieve depression, brain fog, fatigue and other symptoms.
This information about T3 was groundbreaking and had major implications for
people who didn't feel well on their traditional thyroid therapies!
2. Make Sure Your TSH Level is the Best For Your Health
Many doctors believe that a TSH of around 1 - 2 is optimal for most people to feel
well and a void having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. There is other
research that supports the idea that mid and high-normal levels may not be
normal for some people, finding that values above TSH of 2 may actually
represent abnormal thyroid function. See the British Medical Journal. (NOTE: this
TSH is usually kept even lower than 1-2 for thyroid cancer survivors to help
prevent recurrence.)
3. Check Your Hormones
Men should consider having testosterone, DHEA and other androgen levels
checked whenever there is any reduction in sex drive. Women should consider
having a full hormonal profile evaluated, including estrogen levels, testosterone,
and progesterone, plus DHEA. In women, adrenal function should also be
checked, particularly if the testosterone levels turn out to be low.
4. Have a Thorough Physical
Low sex drive may be a result of other non-thyroid health conditions. Diabetes
and hypertension/high blood pressure can cause low sex drive in both women
and men. You should also ask your doctor to discuss the diagnosable symptoms
of depression with you, so you can assess whether or not you are depressed.
You should also discuss other prescription and over the counter medications as
well as any street drugs you are taking, because some antidepressants,
tranquilizers, and antihypertensives, as well as many drugs such as cocaine and
marijuana -- can reduce sex drive.
5. Get Testosterone Supplementation if Needed
For some men and women, testoste rone can be a tremendous aid in restoring
lost libido. Testosterone may be replaced in one of 2 ways: 1) indirectly by using
oral DHEA supplements that your body will transform into testosterone, or 2) by
direct replacement with the hormone itself. Testosterone is available as a pill
form, as a transdermal patch, (Testoderm, Androderm), by injection, by specially
compounded testosterone creams or gels, and sometimes as transdermal pellets
implanted under the skin.
6. For Women, Supplement Estrogen/Progesterone if Needed
Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone -- having either too much or too little -can cause loss of libido, so it's important to evaluate these levels as well. If
supplementation is needed, ask your doctor about estradiol gel or patches, a nd
natural progesterone supplements, rather than conjugated estrogens. A word of
caution about soy-based supplements and food products that are supposed to
act "like" estrogen to deal with menopausal symptoms. Many of these products
contain levels of soy isoflavones that can worsen hypothyroidism in some
women.
7. Consider Supplements
Note: Supplements can have various and sometimes serious side effects, so be
cautious with self-treatment...talk to your doctor regarding supplementation.
Arginine
An amino acid, for both men and women.
Ashwaganda
Indian ayurvedic herb, typically recommended for men.
Asian Ginseng (Panax)
Asian ginseng -- also called panax -- can help increase sexual energy.
DHEA
(dehydroepiandrosterone)
As noted above, DHEA is a precursor hormone that converts to testosterone
by your body.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that can improve sexual function in men.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe, an African herb, can be a very potent sex enhancer for men.
Zinc
Low levels of zinc have been associated with low sex drive in women and men.
8. Lose Weight
Losing weight is easier said than done, of course, but excess weight can affect
self-image -- and make you feel less sexy and less interested in sex. And,
medically, being overweight can reduce both fertility and libido.
For men, losing as little as 10 pounds can have a dramatic effect on sex drive,
while it takes about a 20 pound loss in women. By eating five or six meals a day
composed of nearly equal portions of protein and low glycemic carbohydrates,
you can stimulate your rate of oxygen consumption or metabolism. As your
balance of body fat reduces, the amount of sex hormone binding globulin drops
and that leaves more free circulating estrogen and testosterone to fuel your
sexual fires."
9. Exercise
Exercise improves blood flow to all body parts. Research has found that people
who exercise regularly have higher levels of desire, greater sexual confidence
and frequency, and an enhanced ability to be aroused and achieve orgasm--no
matter what their age. The best type of exercise is aerobic exercise, because it
can trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create a feeling
of well-being.
10. Consider Counseling
When there are other psychological and self-esteem issues preventing healthy
sexual desire, counseling or hypnotherapy can sometimes help.