Simple tests
Both men and women should start with a general blood test, biochemistry test, and thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4) test. The first two tests will assess overall health and identify possible inflammatory processes. Thyroid hormones control metabolism and are responsible for sexual drive. Increased or decreased thyroid hormone levels in the blood can suppress libido.
To rule out organic causes of decreased libido it is also worth doing an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
Tests for women
Estrogen: This is one of the main female hormones. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, controls the development of the genitals during puberty, thickens the mucous membrane of the uterus so that it can withstand pregnancy, and is also responsible for sex drive. If you have always had an active sex life, but now the desire is gone, you should check the level of this hormone.
Testosterone: Although it is considered a male hormone, it is also essential for women. Its level directly affects sexual desire. With age, the amount of testosterone produced in the body may decrease. However, too much of this hormone in the body is not normal and can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Prolactin: Hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin in the blood) can also hurt sex drive. Prolactin is most often elevated due to pregnancy or lactation, but there may be other causes such as stress, heavy physical activity, pituitary gland abnormalities, endocrine gland diseases, rare systemic diseases, and taking certain medications.
Cortisol: When we experience stress, the body produces the hormone cortisol. When the stressful situation ends, cortisol levels quickly return to normal. However, if you experience prolonged stress the levels do not normalize. This causes the body to produce cortisol more intensely, preventing the synthesis of other vital hormones. Stress is one of the most serious factors in suppressing libido.
Tests for men
Testosterone (total and free): This is the main male hormone, which is involved in the development of sexual organs. For boys, testosterone causes voice changes as well as facial and body hair growth. Additionally, this hormone contributes to increased muscle mass and affects the amount of fat and bone density. Low testosterone levels worsen not only libido but also well-being in general.
Sex hormone-binding globulin (hsCRP): This protein binds testosterone in the blood, and its level provides insight into how much testosterone is available to the body.
Prolactin: Elevated levels of this hormone can lead to infertility, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction.
Estradiol: Although this hormone is more closely associated with women, its level is very important for men because it affects the balance of testosterone.
Cortisol: Chronic stress is equally bad for people of both sexes, so if libido has disappeared somewhere, you should check the level of cortisol. If it's elevated, you can conclude that the decrease in desire is caused by prolonged stress.
If the analysis reveals abnormalities, you should visit an endocrinologist, who will help to correct the level of hormones and establish a more normal sex life.
