Low libido
Low libido is a persistent lack of interest in sex that causes distress. It has many causes: hormonal (low testosterone, perimenopause, thyroid), psychological (stress, depression), medication side effects, sleep and relationship factors. A confidential GP assessment identifies the drivers and structures a plan.
Key information
- Symptom
- Low libido
- Category
- General symptoms
- Common possible causes
- Stress and fatigue, Depression and anxiety, Perimenopause and menopause, Low testosterone
- Tests that may be considered
- Morning total testosterone (men), SHBG, TSH, Prolactin
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
A persistent decrease in sexual desire that is unwanted and causes personal or relationship distress.
Common possible causes
- · Stress and fatigue
- · Depression and anxiety
- · Perimenopause and menopause
- · Low testosterone
- · Poor sleep
- · Relationship difficulties
- · Medication side effects
Less common possible causes
- · Chronic pain conditions
- · Thyroid disease
- · Hyperprolactinaemia
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Pituitary tumour (rare)
- · New severe headache with visual disturbance
- · Milky nipple discharge with amenorrhoea
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · New headache with visual changes
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Long-standing low libido
- · Libido changes with perimenopause
- · Medication review
Questions a doctor may ask
- · When did it start and what changed?
- · Mood, sleep and stress?
- · Menstrual pattern or menopause symptoms?
- · Erectile function (men)?
- · Medications, including contraception and antidepressants?
History factors that may matter
- · Perimenopause
- · Postpartum
- · Chronic illness
- · Depression
Medicines that may contribute
- · SSRIs
- · Hormonal contraception
- · Beta-blockers
- · Finasteride
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Blood pressure
- · Thyroid examination
- · Testicular examination in men where relevant
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Morning total testosterone (men)
- · SHBG
- · TSH
- · Prolactin
- · LH/FSH/oestradiol if perimenopausal
- · Vitamin D
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Endocrinology for confirmed hormonal disorder
- · Psychosexual counselling for relationship factors
Possible treatment approaches
- · Address the underlying cause
- · HRT or non-hormonal treatment for perimenopause
- · Testosterone replacement for confirmed male hypogonadism
- · Review or switch contributing medications
- · Psychosexual therapy
Safe self-care
- · Prioritise sleep and stress reduction
- · Regular exercise
- · Open communication with partner
- · Limit alcohol
Best avoided
- · Self-prescribed testosterone or hormones
- · Ignoring depression
How Aafiyah can help
- · Confidential GP consultation
- · Same-week hormonal blood panel
- · Perimenopause and men's health reviews
- · Referral for psychosexual or endocrine care
Related tests
Related conditions
- Perimenopause
- Hypothyroidism
- Depression
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Is low libido always hormonal?+
No — hormones are only one driver. Sleep, stress, mood, relationship and medication all matter.
Can antidepressants cause low libido?+
Yes — SSRIs commonly reduce libido. A GP can review alternatives if this is a problem.
Should I check my testosterone?+
Men with sustained low libido or fatigue benefit from a morning testosterone with SHBG.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Menopause — cks.nice.org.uk
- · British Society for Sexual Medicine — bssm.org.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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