Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (or HSDD) causes a dip in the sexual drive of females often in perimenopause or postmenopause. HSDD is often difficult to diagnose since it may be considered a natural effect of aging. However, unlike normal dips in libido as we age, HSDD typically persists for a duration of 12-months or longer with no change. Your doctor will be the best person to help you figure out which treatment is best for HSDD.

The cause of HSDD determines the right course of treatment just like with other medical disorders. The following are all the treatment options that are used when your doctor diagnoses HSDD:

1. Medicines
Some medicines can decrease your sex drive. Your doctor will ask you which medicines you are taking, and if they are causing a lower sex drive he might prescribe others with little side effects. Medicines are helpful in the treatment of HSDD and one example is Addyi or flibanserin. This has been FDA-approved. It helps increase your sex drive. However, there are many side effects associated with this medicine such as dizziness and hypotension. It might not be safe for some women to take this medicine.

2. Counseling
One of the treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is counseling. Sometimes, a low sex drive can be caused because of emotional issues. You might have relationship issues with your partner which might have caused the decrease in sex drive. In such cases, your doctor will recommend counseling since it can help improve your communication with your partner. Moreover, it can help you understand what works for you and your partner so that you have a healthy and fulfilling sex life.

3. Estrogen therapy
Low estrogen levels are one of the causes of HSDD symptoms. If your doctor has tested you and found that your estrogen levels are less then he will recommend estrogen therapy as a treatment option. There are different ways that this therapy can work. You might be asked to apply a cream. You might have to put a ring so that estrogen is released in your vagina. This helps increase the flow of blood. Another option is the estrogen pill that you can take. However, it is not as safe as the ring and cream.

4. Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can be used as effective treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). These enable you to make changes to your life so that your sex drive improves. For example, openly communicating with your partner helps. If you consume alcohol or you smoke, then kicking these habits can improve your sex life. Another method is to be able to manage stress. Stress affects everybody, but effectively managing it can help you lead a happy life and can help improve your sex life too.

5. Alternative medicine
Another alternative treatment option for you is to use herbal supplements and medications. These have not been studied enough and might pose a risk. However, you can try Avlimil which is a helpful medicine for increasing your sex drive. It mimics the effects of estrogen in the body. However, you need to speak to your doctor before you try any herbal medicine or alternative medicine because it can interact with other medicines you are taking. Moreover, you need to be aware of the side effects too.

There are numerous treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) available. The one you choose should be based on what the causes of HSDD are. The treatment should be tailored to you which is why speaking to your doctor before trying out any treatment plan is crucial. HSDD is treatable and it doesn’t have to affect your self-esteem and relationship with your partner anymore.