libido

Libido, commonly referred to as sex drive, denotes a person's overall interest in sexual activity. It is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon that can vary across individuals and over time, influenced by hormonal status, brain processes, mood, relationships, culture, and lifestyle.

Biological factors are central. Hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones, age, health conditions, sleep quality, and medications (for example some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs) can increase or decrease desire. Psychological factors include mood disorders, stress, anxiety, body image, trauma history, and relationship satisfaction. Social and cultural norms also shape how libido is experienced and reported.

Libido does not have a fixed level; there is wide natural variation. Fluctuations commonly accompany the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause in people with ovaries, as well as aging in all genders. Clinically, markedly reduced sexual interest that causes distress over a defined period may be described as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, while unusually high sexual desire may be described as hypersexuality. In many cases, the cause is multifactorial.

Assessment focuses on medical history, current medications, psychological wellbeing, and relationship factors. Management aims to address underlying conditions, adjust contributing medications when possible, and may include counseling, sex therapy, and, in specific cases, hormonal therapies. Understanding libido requires a nonjudgmental approach that accounts for individual variation and cultural context.