The Top 6 Things That Kill a Woman’s Sex Drive — and How to Fix It Naturally

By Dr. Alyssa McPeak

Low libido is one of the most common frustrations women face — especially if you’re juggling work, kids, stress, or trying to conceive. But when your sex drive disappears, it’s not “just in your head.” It’s often a sign that your hormones (or something else) are out of balance.

Your libido is a reflection of your overall hormonal health. When stress, nutrition, medications, or lifestyle habits interfere with your natural hormone production, your body prioritizes survival over reproduction — and your desire takes a backseat.

The good news? You can restore your sex drive naturally by understanding what’s disrupting your hormones and using tools like cycle syncing to bring your body back into balance.

Here are the top six things that could be sabotaging your libido — and what you can do about them.

1. High Stress & Cortisol Imbalance 😫

Chronic stress raises cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. Over time, cortisol “steals” from your sex hormones — particularly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone — which play key roles in desire, mood, and ovulation.

What to Do:

• Use cycle syncing to naturally lower cortisol and support your hormone production by aligning your diet, exercise, and self-care with your hormonal phases.

• Incorporate calming habits like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling.

• Support your adrenals with adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola (check with your provider first).

2. Blood Sugar Imbalances 🍩

Fluctuating blood sugar can trigger fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and low libido. Spikes from high-sugar or high-starch foods increase insulin, which can throw off other hormones — especially if you have PCOS.

What to Do:

• Break your fast with protein instead of carbs or sugar.

• Pair carbs with healthy fats and proteins to keep your blood sugar stable.

• Avoid skipping meals, especially in your luteal phase, when energy naturally dips.

3. Medications That Suppress Desire 💊

Certain medications can significantly impact libido and fertility, especially:

Birth Control Pills

• Oral contraceptives suppress hormones like estrogens, which are responsible for desire.

• They also suppress ovulation and natural hormonal fluctuations, which can lead to vaginal dryness, lower energy, and mood changes.

Anti-Anxiety & Antidepressant Medications

• Many SSRIs and anti-anxiety meds increase serotonin but lower dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation.

• These medications can also decrease sensitivity and make it harder to feel aroused.

What to Do:

• Never stop or change a medication without talking to your doctor first.

• If possible, ask your provider about alternative options or lower doses that support both your mental health and libido.

• Use cycle syncing to naturally support your hormones and boost energy while working with your provider on medication adjustments.

4. Low Estrogens & Hormonal Imbalances 🌿

If your period is light, you have irregular cycles, or your cycles are very short, low estrogens may be to blame. Estrogen plays a big role in balancing mood, supporting ovulation, and sustaining desire.

What to Do:

• Eat estrogen-supportive foods during your follicular phase, like pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, avocado, and wild-caught fish.

• Avoid endocrine distruptors that mimic estrogen - plastics, fragrances, and pthalates

• Focus on stress management since high cortisol suppresses estrogen production.

5. Thyroid Dysfunction 🦋

Your thyroid controls your metabolism, energy, and reproductive hormones. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), it can cause fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and a lower sex drive.

What to Do:

• Get a comprehensive thyroid panel — TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies.

• Focus on thyroid-supportive nutrients like selenium, zinc, and iodine.

• Prioritize sleep and gentle movement to reduce thyroid stress.

6. Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion 😴

When you’re running on empty, your body shifts into survival mode. Sleep deprivation lowers progesterone and estrogens, increases cortisol, and throws off your hormonal rhythm, leaving your libido in the dust.

What to Do:

• Create a bedtime routine — dim lights, avoid screens, and wind down with calming rituals.

• Support deep sleep with magnesium glycinate.

• Align your self-care and workouts with your cycle phases to avoid overexertion during low-energy times.

How Cycle Syncing Can Bring Your Libido Back 🔄

Cycle syncing is one of the most powerful ways to restore hormonal balance and reignite your sex drive naturally. By adjusting your nutrition, exercise, and self-care to match the four phases of your menstrual cycle, you can:

• Boost testosterone, estrogens and progesterone naturally

• Improve energy and mood

• Regulate your cycle and ovulation

• Feel more in tune with your body and desires

When your hormones are balanced, your libido naturally comes back — without forcing it.

Ready to Reignite Your Desire and Balance Your Hormones?

If low libido, irregular cycles, or fertility challenges are impacting your life, my online course, Cycle Syncing for Fertility, will teach you how to:

• Eat the right foods at the right times

• Support natural hormone production

• Improve mood, energy, and sex drive — naturally

Because when your hormones are in sync, desire flows effortlessly.