Lowered libido

Serotonin plays a major role in libido. While balanced serotonin supports mood and emotional connection, too much or too little serotonin can lower libido.

How Does Serotonin Affect Libido?

• Serotonin has a “braking” effect on sexual desire.

• Low serotonin = More sexual desire but also higher stress, anxiety, and mood instability.

• High serotonin = Less sexual desire due to reduced dopamine & arousal.

If your serotonin is too high or too low, it can cause problems with your libido, mood, and energy levels.

Why Does Low Libido Happen? (Serotonin & Other Factors)

• Low Serotonin = Low Mood, Anxiety, & Stress (Affects Libido)

• If serotonin is too low, stress & anxiety levels rise, reducing libido.

• You feel emotionally disconnected, exhausted, or overwhelmed.

Agonism (activation) of 5-HT1A leads to reduced fear respo

High Serotonin = Decreased Sexual Desire

• Too much serotonin (due to certain medications or gut issues) suppresses dopamine.

• Dopamine is needed for arousal, so high serotonin = low libido.

PCOS, High Prolactin, & Libido Issues

• High prolactin reduces dopamine, lowering sex drive.

• Insulin resistance in PCOS affects testosterone, reducing arousal & energy.

IBS-D & Serotonin Imbalance

• Since 95% of serotonin is in the gut, IBS-D may cause serotonin fluctuations.

• High serotonin = Diarrhea, low libido, mood swings.

• Low serotonin = Anxiety, stress, & reduced sexual interest.

Sleep Deprivation & Stress

• Poor sleep reduces serotonin & dopamine, leading to fatigue & low sex drive.

• Chronic stress increases cortisol, which suppresses libido.

Restlessness

Noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine) is one of the brain’s key “action” neurotransmitters. It plays a central role in generating motivation, focus, alertness, and the ability to respond to challenges. When noradrenaline levels are too low, a common result is a persistent lack of drive—that feeling of having no energy, no push, and no mental spark to start or complete tasks.

In healthy brain function, noradrenaline helps activate the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for planning, goal setting, and execution. It gives you a sense of urgency and purpose that pushes you to act. Without enough noradrenaline, the brain can feel sluggish, unmotivated, and disengaged, leading to symptoms like:

This hyperaroused state can interfere with sleep, concentration, and emotional regulation. Over time, it becomes exhausting—your body feels wired, but your mind is tired.

• Procrastination

• Mental and physical fatigue

• Low initiative, even for things you enjoy

• Difficulty concentrating or staying on task

• A general sense of “why bother?”

This state often overlaps with depression, ADHD, burnout, or chronic fatigue, where noradrenaline signaling is often disrupted.

Lack of drive related to noradrenaline isn’t just about laziness—it’s a biological issue tied to how your brain communicates energy and urgency. It can also affect the reward system, making it hard to feel satisfaction or pleasure from accomplishments, which further reduces motivation.

A drop in libido isn’t just about relationships—it’s often a biochemical signal that your body and hormones are out of sync. Your desire, arousal, and emotional connection are all influenced by a delicate interplay of hormones and neurotransmitters.

Adrenaline

Adrenaline is your fight-or-flight hormone, activated during stress or high-alert situations. When it’s chronically elevated, the body diverts energy away from reproduction and intimacy, prioritizing survival. This often leads to a suppressed libido, as the nervous system stays in “protection mode” rather than relaxation and connection.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

GABA is your brain’s natural calming agent. It plays a role in allowing you to feel emotionally connected, relaxed, and receptive. When GABA is low, anxiety and nervous tension increase—both of which can suppress sexual interest and emotional intimacy.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is directly linked to sexual desire, vitality, and hormone production—including testosterone and estrogen. Low levels of DHEA are associated with low sexual drive, reduced arousal, and decreased pleasure response. It also affects mood and energy, which further influence libido.

Cortisol

Cortisol, the long-term stress hormone, is a major libido killer when out of balance. High cortisol suppresses sex hormone production and dampens sexual desire. On the other hand, extremely low cortisol (seen in adrenal burnout) can lead to fatigue and lack of physical or emotional energy for intimacy.