Low libido isn’t just about testosterone. And it’s not just “in your head.”
Yet too often, men are told that it’s a normal part of aging - or worse, are handed a prescription for Viagra without anyone asking why the desire isn’t there in the first place.
At Catalyst, we treat low libido as a diagnostic clue. When your sex drive changes, it can often be your biology trying to tell you something.
Libido Isn’t Just About Sex
Think of libido as your internal spark: a proxy for vitality, drive, and connection. When it dips, it’s not just about physical desire. It’s a sign that your system may be under stress or imbalance.
Low libido often coexists with:
Fatigue or poor recovery
Mood changes or irritability
Brain fog
Low motivation
Sleep issues
Reduced morning erections
Changes in body composition
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time to look under the hood.
What Most Doctors Miss
The conventional approach to low libido usually stops at total testosterone. If it’s “normal,” you’re often told everything’s fine.
But here’s what gets missed:
1. Free Testosterone Matters More
You can have normal total testosterone and still have low free testosterone — the part your body actually uses. This is especially common when SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is elevated, often due to stress, aging, or thyroid dysfunction.
2. Estradiol Is Essential
Many men associate estrogen with “bad” symptoms, but too low estradiol can crush libido, impair erections, and cause joint pain.
3. DHEA and Cortisol Shape Desire
DHEA is a pro-libido adrenal hormone that supports testosterone production. Chronically elevated or depleted cortisol (from stress, under-eating, or overtraining) can wreck your hormonal rhythm and dampen sex drive.
4. Thyroid Function Drives Energy
Low thyroid hormone can reduce libido by lowering energy, metabolism, and mood. If your doctor only runs TSH, key laboratory clues may be missed.
5. Prolactin Can Suppress Desire
High prolactin levels (from medications, pituitary issues, or stress) can blunt testosterone signaling and reduce sexual interest.
Libido Is the Canary in the Coal Mine
A drop in libido usually isn’t random. It can be a sign of:
Hormonal imbalance
Chronic stress or sleep debt
Nutrient depletion
Metabolic dysfunction
Underlying inflammation or cardiovascular strain
We treat it as a signal, not a standalone symptom.
What To Test
At Catalyst, our hormone labs for libido issues always include:
Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
SHBG
Estradiol
DHEA-S
Cortisol
LH and FSH
Prolactin
TSH, Free T3, Free T4
Insulin sensitivity markers
Cardiovascular risk and inflammation labs
We don’t just look for disease - we look for what’s optimal.
What To Do
Every man’s root cause is different, but here’s how we usually approach it:
Step 1: Dial in the Basics
Sleep deeply (REM and slow wave are critical for testosterone production)
Strength train 3–4x/week
Manage stress load — mentally and physically
Eat enough (especially healthy fats and micronutrients)
Limit alcohol and plastics (which disrupt hormonal signaling)
Step 2: Targeted Support
Adaptogens like ashwagandha or maca
DHEA (when levels are low)
Zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and boron
Tongkat ali or other T-boosting herbs (case-by-case)
Step 3: Clinical Interventions
If labs confirm dysregulation, we may recommend:
Enclomiphene to boost natural testosterone production
HCG or Clomid (when fertility is a goal)
Testosterone therapy if indicated — carefully titrated and monitored
Estrogen or DHT modulation as needed
We treat the whole picture - not just one number on a lab report.
Libido Is a Clue, Not a Curse
Low libido is not something to simply tolerate. It’s your body trying to tell you it needs support.
If your desire has faded, and you don’t feel like yourself, we can help you figure out why. And more importantly, help you fix it.
Book a consultation to take the first step. Your biology deserves better than “normal.”
