Is sexual desire the fifth vital sign? These are the signs of low sexual desire

Zero sexual desire? A high libido—or lack thereof—can be a key indicator of overall well-being.

Tennessee Williams Writing “The opposite of death is desire” – the playwright seems to have been on to something, as experts agree that low libido can be a sign of a host of worrisome health issues.

Even though body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are considered the four main vital signs, there’s an argument to be made about how much you want it – you know, it – also need to be taken into consideration.

What is sexual desire—and how does it relate to our health?

“Sexual desire is generally defined as the biological need for sexual activity (libido), manifested by seeking sexual intercourse; its intensity varies among individuals and over time,” OB-GYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd told The Washington Post.

Its intensity reflects many systems of the brain and body: hormones, stress physiology, vascular health, sleep, mood, relationship quality, and vaginal or urogenital comfort.

Sheppard notes that sexual satisfaction is associated with better health, fewer physical symptoms, and higher mental health—in other words, a better quality of life.

The doctor noted that controlling sexual desire is crucial because sexual health is directly related to longevity: “Observational data in older adults suggest that better health is associated with a longer sexually active life.”

In fact, a study published in the journal PLOS One showed that men with low libido are almost twice as likely (1.82 times) to die young.

As for what your low libido — or your partner’s low libido — might mean, there are plenty of possible health issues worth exploring.

Hormones out of control

“Hormonal fluctuations can cause libido issues in both men and women,” Shepard says.

“Often, women experience hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause, which can lead to a decrease in libido,” she explains. “For men, that may change when testosterone levels are low.”

More seriously, thyroid disease can also have a negative impact on libido. Look for low libido along with other symptoms such as weight fluctuations and cold intolerance.

poor mental health

Mental health conditions can also have an impact. It’s worth noting that depression and anxiety can reduce the magic we’re all known for. Medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs may cause your sex drive to plummet.

The situation is serious

Diabetes, heart disease, obesity, sleep apnea, and chronic illness can all contribute to low libido.

hypoactive sexual desire disorder

Clinically, low libido turns into hypoactive sexual desire disorder when a decrease in sexual desire persists for more than six months, causing distress and not being attributable to an underlying condition or the effects of medications.

Experts say diagnosing and treating HSDD is challenging, largely because the science behind sexual desire is not fully understood.

Find your best

There are medications for men and women, and some people find that therapy and lifestyle changes can help.

Shepherd believes being able to address and treat low libido is key to restoring quality of life.

However, sexual health is often overlooked, and low libido often goes untreated, to the disservice of patients.

Still, she emphasized the fact that sexual desire and desire are dynamic and that ups and downs in interest are normal, especially for those who identify as women.

“During the menopausal transition, many women report changes in desire and sexual function driven by hormonal changes, sleep, mood, relationships and vaginal symptoms; however, when sex is important to the individual, partner sexual activity and good sexual function are still associated with better quality of life,” she said.