How To “Tune-Up” Your Libido With the Help of Hormones

October 28, 2025

2 min read

Our attraction and sexuality are influenced by hormones. How does this happen? And is it possible to influence the process?

Key takeaways

Our attraction and sexuality are influenced by hormones.
Law of nature
What hormones are responsible for sexual activity?

Who this is for

People exploring Hormones and thyroid through women health, hormones.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Oxana

Endocrinologist

Law of nature

Sex drive in women is primarily due to their emotional state, which is due to hormonal characteristics. In the vast majority of cases, a woman experiences sexual desire in response to specific actions of the person to whom she is attracted. At the same time, the reaction depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle: in the middle (ovulation time) the response will be maximal, while during menstruation it will be minimal. Hormones are also responsible for this.

What hormones are responsible for sexual activity?

Estrogens — more specifically, estradiol — contribute to the rush of blood to the genitals when sexually aroused and stimulate the production of lubricant. Estrogen levels rise by mid-cycle and peak before ovulation.

Testosterone provides sexual desire, stimulates erotic fantasies and dreams, and increases activity and vitality.

Progestins, which are produced during the second phase of the menstrual cycle, promote relaxation and reduce pain sensitivity.

Prolactin stimulates the growth and development of the mammary glands and milk production.

Evolution has contributed to the fact that prolactin decreases libido because a nursing woman needs to nurture the baby that has already been born, not conceive a new one. Even a slight increase in prolactin can decrease libido.

What to do if your libido is too high

Constant dissatisfaction, despite a full sexual life, can cause a lot of problems. If this is true for you, it is worth checking your cortisol and testosterone levels. The higher they are, the more aggressive and sexually active a woman becomes. And this is not always a plus.

What to do if your libido is too low?

If libido has decreased, it is worth taking tests for progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, and thyroid hormone. There may be a need for medication correction. There may also be a need for a change in lifestyle-related to stress, lack of sleep, and poor or strict diet — all of which can cause a drop in desire. A common cause of decreased libido is taking hormonal contraceptives. In this case, you need to work with an endocrinologist and gynecologist to choose the best method of protection based on your test results.

If the desire is low but test results are normal

There are other options:

The hormone oxytocin increases the release of endorphin, which is the pleasure hormone. Things like taking a walk, a good meal, and travel can boost cortisol and subsequently, sexual desire.
Exercise and any competitive activity can help stimulate the production of testosterone — especially when the person wins a competition.
Female libido is complicated, but through consultations with medical professionals and lifestyle changes, a woman can manage and increase it.

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