Balancing your hormones is directly linked to increasing your libido, and in turn, your creativity, too. Often, when I work with my patients on healing and improving their gut health, inevitably, we also end up working on their hormonal health since the gut and our hormones are so very interconnected. Some happy side effects of this (albeit not necessarily the initial focus) include an increase in libido and creative energy. How fun!
Humans are innately sexual beings. Not only because of the biological push towards reproduction, but (probably more important and relevant nowadays) is the significant dose of serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and other endorphins that are released after sex that allow us to feel pleasure, love, relaxation, and in certain circumstances, even euphoria. Who doesn’t love all of these? Sex plays an important role in our overall health and wellness, not only from a stress management and improved mental and emotional health perspective, but also in enhancing intimacy in our relationships, promoting self-confidence and self-esteem, and also giving us a boost of creative power and energy.
The state of – or changes to – our libido can be a telling health indicator and predictor of hormonal shifts throughout our lives. It’s not talked about enough in the healthcare field, and I find that it’s often overlooked as a key symptom of hormone imbalances. I am dedicating some much-needed time over the next few weeks to discuss all-things on hormone balancing, and within these discussions, libido will certainly have its own stage. So stay tuned in for more on what to look for and the steps you can take to support your hormone production and communication.
For today, however, I want to talk about a few key factors involved in finding homeostasis in with your hormones, and therefore, your libido.
The state of your gut will impact the state of your hormones and sex drive
The state of our digestive health can – and does – impact our libido first through the gut-brain axis, which refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system (or brain). The gut houses trillions of bacteria, some of which produce neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules that can influence mood, behavior, and sexual function.
Disruptions in the gut microbiome, such as from antibiotics, being sick, or a diet lacking in nutrients or high in processed foods can have negative effects on mental health and well-being, which may in turn impact libido, too. For example, when a person has an imbalanced gut, they are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, both of which can be linked to decreased sexual desire. Gut imbalanced are also linked to lower testosterone levels in men, as well as changes in estrogen levels in both men and women. This may be due to the fact that the gut microbiome is involved in the metabolism and elimination of sex hormones, and imbalances in the microbiome can disrupt these processes.
Not to mention, digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation can cause physical discomfort and may impact sexual function and desire. This may be particularly true for individuals with chronic digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, which can be associated with pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that can affect sexual function and quality of life.
The gut microbiome can also influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a complex network of hormone-producing glands that regulates stress responses and other physiological processes. Issues related to the HPA axis can lead to alterations in sex hormone levels, which can in turn impact sexual function and desire. Also, chronic stress and lack of sleep can impact this axis, too!
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention that the gut microbiome is also involved in the regulation of inflammation, which has been linked to hormonal imbalances and sexual dysfunction. Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to systemic inflammation throughout the body, which can disrupt the production and regulation of sex hormones.
All this to say: what happens in your gut is happening to your hormones, so if you want to have a better sex life, let’s focus on your gut first!
Connecting to your Sacral Chakra
In the context of Eastern spiritual traditions, the sacral chakra, which is also known as the Svadhisthana chakra located below your belly button and above your upper thighs, is believed to be the energy center associated with sexuality, pleasure, and creativity. It is thought to govern the reproductive organs, as well as the bladder and kidneys.
In this practice, the sacral chakra is linked to libido in that it is believed to be the source of an individual's sexual energy, desire as well as creative energy. It is not only where we create and birth other humans, but also where we create and birth ideas, art, and other goals for our future. When this chakra is balanced and open, it is thought to support healthy sexual expression and creativity, as well as a sense of pleasure and emotional fulfillment. It encompasses the element of water, our ability to flow in life as well as all-things fun, creative and joy-filled.
If the sacral chakra is blocked or unbalanced (which can happen for a variety of reasons), it may manifest as a lack of sexual desire or creativity, as well as emotional and physical imbalances in the reproductive and urinary systems. To learn more about the chakra systems, feel free to read my blog on it here, or access my 21 Day Chakra Alignment e-book here.
Try libido enhancing herbs
While you cannot bypass the very real need to heal your gut, reduce your overall stress levels and eat a nourishing diet, you can, in the meantime, play with some libido enhancing herbs to see how they improve your sex drive and pleasure centers. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Maca: This Peruvian herb has been used for centuries to boost libido and sexual function. Some studies suggest that it may have a positive effect on sexual desire in men and women.
2. Ginseng: This herb is believed to have several health benefits, including potentially boosting libido. Some research suggests that it may improve sexual function in both men and women.
3. Eleuthero Root: some studies have suggested that eleuthero may have an indirect impact on libido by reducing stress and improving overall mood. Chronic stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on sexual function and desire, and eleuthero has been shown to have apoptogenic properties, meaning it may help the body cope with stress and reduce anxiety. It has been shown to also increase testosterone in men.
4. Tribulus terrestris: This herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including sexual dysfunction. Some studies suggest that it may help improve sexual function in men with low libido.
5. Cacao: while not an herb, cacao contains several compounds that may have a positive impact on libido and sexual function. One of these compounds is phenylethylamine (PEA), which is known to stimulate the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and well-being. This may in turn have a positive impact on sexual desire and function. Not to mention, cacao is high in many other important minerals like magnesium that can improve sexual function as well.
If you’d like to explore or purchase practitioner-grade supplements that will support your hormone health and libido, check out my female hormone support protocol here and my male hormone support protocol here.
Don’t forget to dance, play and create!
The sacral chakra and our connection to sexual desire is innately playful and fluid. It responds well to dancing, playfulness, and childlike curiosity. Remember: supporting your libido also means supporting that creative energy, and the reverse is true, too. When we lean into our creative and playful energy, we support our libido! So get out there and dance, open up your silly energy and allow your right to pleasure and love to exist within you.