Reduced sexual desire in women

Relationship problems (unexpressed negative feelings about the partner, extramarital affairs), motivational problems (fear of loss of femininity, loss of reproductive potential), cognitive problems (low self image and self esteem), family problems ("empty nest" syndrome), and life stresses (retirement, financial worries) are common associations. Drugs associated with loss of sexual desire Alcohol Hormonal contraceptives Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Tricyclic antidepressants Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, especially venlafaxine, duloxetine (but less likely with bupropion and nefazodone) Lithium Antihypertensives: clonidine, methyldopa, and spironolactone Antiandrogens: cyproterone, gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues Antioestrogens: tamoxifen Is this symptom a "calling card"?-Patients may perceive reduced libido as a medical problem rather than one caused by an aggressive partner or loneliness. Effective drug treatments include lubricating gels if vaginal dryness is a contributory cause; vaginal oestrogens when atrophic vaginitis or recurrent cystitis is present; hormone replacement therapy, which can improve the woman's sense of wellbeing and relieve menopausal symptoms; tibolone, which is weakly androgenic, and may help with sexual desire in menopausal women; and antidepressants if loss of libido is a symptom of depression.