Let’s talk about something we don’t talk about enough: low libido. That’s right — when your sex drive decides to take an extended vacation without leaving a forwarding address. If you’ve found yourself saying, “It’s not you, it’s me,” to your partner, know that you’re not alone. A low sex drive can happen to anyone, and it’s not just in your head. Simply put: It can be a complex mix of hormones, emotions, and life circumstances — sometimes happening all at once. In fact, a low libido can affect more than a quarter of premenopausal women — and over half of menopausal women.
READ: Clueless About Menopause: Here’s What You Need to Know
The good news? Help is available, and no, it’s not all candles, massages, and Marvin Gaye tunes. One potential game-changer is a medication called Addyi (pronounced add-ee). But first, the why.
What’s the Deal with Low Libido?
Let’s get real about low libido. Officially, it’s called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) — a technical term for the persistent or recurring lack of sexual interest that can lead to feelings of distress. And no, it’s not the same as just being “too tired” after binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession.
We all know that life throws curveballs: stress, work, kids, hormones, relationships, and the never-ending pile of laundry. Throw in certain medications, a health condition, or just plain burnout, and your libido might clock out early.
For many women, low libido isn’t just an emotional issue; it’s a biological one. Enter the prescription medication Addyi, a.k.a. “the little pink pill,” approved by the FDA to treat premenopausal women dealing with HSDD.
What Is Addyi?
Think of Addyi as the underdog superhero for your sex drive. It’s a non-hormonal medication that works on the brain’s neurotransmitters — specifically dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These chemical messengers influence mood, desire, and excitement.
Addyi needs to be taken daily, not just when you’re “in the mood,” because it works over time to recalibrate your brain’s desire system. Think of it as resetting the factory settings on your libido.
Is Addyi Right for You?
It’s important to note that Addyi isn’t for everyone. It’s designed for premenopausal women with HSDD, not those experiencing libido changes due to menopause, other medical issues, or relationship troubles (sorry, it won’t fix your partner’s snoring).
Addyi also comes with a few ground rules. It doesn’t play nice with alcohol, so you’ll need to be careful about when you consume alcoholic beverages in relation to when you take the medication. And if you’re on certain medications or have liver issues, it might not be a good fit. That’s why it’s critical to chat with your provider to see if Addyi would be right for you.
And unfortunately, Addyi isn’t a magic wand — it works for some women but not everyone. Clinical trials showed that Addyi increased the number of satisfying sexual events, improved sexual desire, and reduced distress related to low sexual desire. On average, the improvements are small but some women find the improvements to be meaningful.
READ: The Truth About Sex Over 50
The catch? Patience is key. It may take a few weeks to notice results, and sticking to the daily routine is non-negotiable. Side effects can include dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness (a bedtime dose is probably best), but for some women, the benefits outweigh these temporary nuisances.
Tips for Rekindling the Spark
While Addyi can certainly help, it’s not the whole story. A healthy libido thrives on a mix of factors:
- Open communication: Talk to your partner, and don’t be afraid to get vulnerable.
- Self-care: Rest, relaxation, and feeling good in your skin make a difference.
- Professional support: Counseling or sex therapy is always an option.
- Medical check-ups: Hormones, thyroid, or other health concerns could be contributing factors.
Low libido isn’t something that must be suffered in silence. Whether Addyi is your answer or not, there are a variety of options to explore. Talk to your provider and be open about what’s going on — we’re here to help.
Make an appointment with your provider to learn more and if Addyi could be right for you.