What should you know about total loss of libido?

Desire can shift with stress, burnout, depression, poor sleep, pain, pregnancy or menopause-related changes, and relationship strain. Hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes may affect energy, mood, circulation, or hormone function. Antidepressants and other medicines can also alter sexual interest. Libido varies between people, and a change matters most when it is distressing or unwanted.

Choose a private, non-judgemental conversation with a clinician and mention when the change began, whether it is constant, and any pain, dryness, erection difficulty, mood symptoms, or medicine changes. Avoid stopping treatment abruptly. Gentle communication with a partner, attention to sleep and stress, and treatment of discomfort may help while the cause is explored.

Book an appointment if the change persists, causes distress, follows a new medicine, or occurs with fatigue, thirst, menstrual changes, erectile problems, pain, or low mood. Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm, coercion, or sexual violence. Your clinician can decide whether examination, blood tests, or referral is useful.

Could my medicines, thyroid, blood sugar, mood, sleep, or hormone changes be involved? What options can address pain or sexual difficulties without worsening other symptoms?