Sex drive and hormones - this is how they are connected

Sex drive and hormones - this is how they are connected

Sex drive, also known as libido, is an individual and natural biological drive that encourages us to sexual activity and intimacy. It is a complex combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Sexual desire varies between different individuals and can also be affected by age, health, hormonal changes and lifestyle.

What is sex drive?

Sexual desire, also known as libido, is a person's natural desire and interest in sexual activity. Sex drive is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors, emotional states, societal norms and the body's hormones. Sexual desire varies from person to person and over time and is an individual experience that may deviate from stereotypical gender patterns.

Which hormones are important and can affect our sex drive?

Hormones play an important role in sexual desire in both women and men, but there are differences in the specific hormones that affect sexual desire. Here are the main hormones that affect sexual desire:

Testosterone

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and has a significant role in sexual desire in both men and women. In men, testosterone is linked to libido and sexual performance. Women also have testosterone, but in much smaller amounts, and this also has an impact on women's sexual desire.

Estrogen and progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female sex hormones. Estrogen contributes to vaginal moisture and sexual response in women. Progesterone also plays a role in sexual desire and can affect hormonal balance during the menstrual cycle.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone primarily known to stimulate breast milk production in lactating women. High levels of prolactin can reduce sexual desire in both men and women.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin, sometimes called the "love hormone", is released during sexual activity and intimacy. It helps create feelings of connection and trust between sexual partners.

You will find the markers that we at Testmottagningen can offer under this article.

What can I do if I suspect that my sex drive is affected by my hormones?

If you notice that your sex drive has decreased and if you suspect that it may be your hormones that are playing havoc, it may be an idea to test your levels of hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and oxytocin. By examining these hormones, you can get a better picture of any imbalances and how they can be best managed.

However, it is important to remember that sexual desire is a personal and complex experience. Hormonal levels are one of several factors that can affect your sexual desire, and an imbalance is not always the only explanation. Psychological and social factors, your health, your relationships and your lifestyle also play a significant role in how you feel and react sexually. It is important that you take into account an overall picture in order to fully understand your situation.

Relaterade tester

-25%
Testosterone
Testosterone test

Testosterone

  • Measuring your level of testosterone.
  • Analysis to identify testosterone deficiency.
  • Get increased insight into your testosterone level.
  • Analysis of S-Testosterone.

239 kr179 kr

-15%
Estrogen and progesterone
Hormone test estrogen and progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone

  • Measuring your estrogen levels.
  • Measuring your progesterone levels.
  • The value can be used when assessing hormonal imbalance.

329 kr279 kr

Prolactin
Prolactin test

Prolactin

  • Measuring your levels of the hormone prolactin
  • Get more knowledge about your prolactin value
  • Indicate possible hormonal disorders

149 kr