Around 50% of American women experience some form of sexual health problem. One that many worry about is libido — your overall sexual desire or interest in intimacy.
If you’ve been wondering whether your libido is normal, remember: your experience is unique and there’s no standard everyone must meet. What matters is how you feel and whether your sexual health supports your happiness.
At Chicago Center for Women’s Health, our caring team provides compassionate, personalized care for all aspects of women’s health, including sexual wellness. Whether your concerns are physical, emotional, or both, we’re here to help you find answers and discover solutions that work for you.
Your body, mind, and environment shape libido. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone play a role, but so do emotional well-being, relationship satisfaction, and even cultural attitudes.
For women, libido isn’t constant. It often shifts over time and may rise or fall during different stages of life. For example, in your 20s and 30s, sexual desire may feel stronger, though stress can affect it.
During pregnancy and postpartum, libido may fluctuate due to hormonal changes, fatigue, and physical recovery. Around menopause, declining estrogen often reduces libido, while symptoms like vaginal dryness or hot flashes can also interfere with sexual health.
There’s no single definition of normal libido. Every woman has her own baseline, and what’s right for one person may feel too high or too low for another. What matters most is whether your current level of desire feels satisfying to you and your partner.
If your interest in sex decreases but the change doesn’t bother you, it may not require medical attention. However, if you’re distressed by a loss of libido, or if it’s creating tension in your relationship, it’s worth discussing with your OB/GYN.
Declining sexual desire can stem from many sources, sometimes combining physical, emotional, and social factors. Common causes include:
Menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or specific birth control methods can affect desire.
Thyroid disorders, diabetes, chronic pain, and other health issues may lower libido.
Antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and other medicines sometimes reduce sexual interest.
Anxiety, depression, or past trauma can impact sexual desire.
Stress, lack of sleep, and fatigue are frequent contributors to low libido.
Conflicts, lack of communication, or emotional distance often reduce intimacy.
It’s time to consider seeing a specialist if:
Common physical symptoms include vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Less common is vaginismus, where the vaginal walls contract involuntarily at the point of penetration.
At Chicago Center for Women’s Health, we create a safe, supportive environment where you can discuss these sensitive concerns openly. We listen closely to your history, explore possible causes, and guide you toward solutions tailored to your needs.
Sexual health is part of overall well-being, and addressing it can improve not only intimacy but also confidence and quality of life.
Treatment depends on what’s causing the change in libido. Options include:
Improving sleep, reducing stress, and exercising regularly can boost desire.
Addressing relationship concerns or mental health issues often makes a big difference.
If medicines affect your libido, altering the prescription can help.
Estrogen or testosterone treatments may help women during menopause and other significant hormonal changes.
Moisturizers and lubricants reduce discomfort during sex.
Sometimes, simply talking openly with your partner and healthcare provider can bring relief.
The orgasm shot — commonly called the O-Shot — is a quick, in-office treatment designed to help women struggling with low libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, or sexual discomfort.
The procedure uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which we take from a simple blood draw during your visit. We inject this concentrated solution into targeted areas of the vaginal tissue, where PRP’s powerful healing properties encourage the growth of healthy new cells, collagen, and blood vessels.
As the tissue regenerates, many women experience greater sensitivity, improved natural lubrication, and stronger sexual response. Most patients notice enhanced desire and more satisfying orgasms within just a few weeks, with minimal downtime or risk of side effects.
When libido issues affect your well-being or relationships, professional help can make a world of difference. Reach out to the Chicago Center for Women’s Health team by phone or complete the online inquiry form.