The question asked in gynecologists’ offices everywhere: What exactly is libido, and how do I increase it? Maybe your sex drive has faded over time. Or maybe you’re comparing your sex life to everyone else’s and wondering what’s “normal.”

Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. Research shows that low sexual desire is incredibly common. One study found that nearly 27 percent of premenopausal women — and over half of menopausal women — experience low libido at some point.

Everyone’s sex drive is unique, shaped by biology, lifestyle, relationships, and emotional factors. But if your desire isn’t where you want it to be, there are ways to support your sexual wellbeing.

This guide breaks down what libido is, why it might dip, and practical steps that can help increase it.

What Is Female Libido?

Libido is your level of interest in sexual activity, and there’s no “normal” number that applies to everyone. Sexual desire is influenced by your body, your mind, and your environment. When your interest in sex drops consistently and starts to feel frustrating or distressing, it may be worth exploring what’s driving the change.

Common signs of low libido can include less interest in sex, fewer sexual thoughts, vaginal dryness, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, and feeling stressed or concerned about your desire levels.

Symptoms of Low Sex Drive in Women

Low libido can look different for everyone, but common signs include:

• Decreased interest in sex
• Fewer sexual thoughts or fantasies
• Difficulty achieving orgasm
• Vaginal dryness
• Stress or concern about changes in sexual desire

A fulfilling sex life is linked to overall health and emotional wellbeing. While there’s no “correct” level of desire, if low libido feels persistent or distressing, it’s worth exploring the potential causes and solutions.

Ways to Increase Libido in Women

A low sex drive can stem from many factors — stress, relationship dynamics, lifestyle habits, hormones, medication side effects, or emotional health. The most effective approach often combines multiple strategies rather than relying on just one.

Here are several evidence-based ways to support libido:

Manage Stress Levels

Stress affects the body and mind, and it’s one of the most common causes of reduced sexual desire. High stress has been linked to lower sexual arousal. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, deep breathing, or even light movement can help ease daily stress and support a healthier sexual response.

Evaluate Lifestyle Habits

Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and other lifestyle factors can influence libido. While alcohol may feel like it boosts arousal, too much can actually inhibit it. Reducing or moderating substances that affect mood, blood flow, or anxiety may help improve interest in sex and enhance overall wellbeing.

Strengthen Connection in Your Relationship

It’s normal for desire to change throughout a relationship. If your interest in sex has dipped, it may help to focus on emotional closeness, communication, and quality time. Research consistently shows a link between relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction.

Open conversation with your partner about expectations, preferences, and concerns can also reduce sexual stress and make intimacy feel easier and more enjoyable.

Incorporate Pleasure-Forward Tools

Supporting libido isn’t only about desire — it’s also about comfort, arousal, and feeling good in your body.  This is where Good Life Meds’ Bliss Strips can help.

Bliss Strips are designed to increase blood flow, heighten sensation, and support a more responsive, pleasurable experience. For women who want to boost arousal or enhance intimacy, Bliss Strips can be an easy, non-intimidating way to make sex feel more enjoyable — whether alone or with a partner.

They fit seamlessly into a routine aimed at improving libido and pleasure, especially when combined with stress management, communication, and lifestyle shifts.

Consider Therapy or Counseling

Mental health factors — including anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, or relationship issues — can affect sexual desire. Therapy can be especially helpful for navigating these challenges. Mindfulness-based therapies, in particular, have shown promising results in improving desire, arousal, satisfaction, and overall sexual function.

Stay Active

Exercise benefits libido in several ways. It reduces stress, boosts mood through endorphins, builds confidence, and supports blood flow. Activities ranging from running to yoga have been shown to correlate with improvements in desire, arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction.

Look Into Possible Hormonal Factors

Changes in hormones — including estrogen and testosterone — can affect libido. Hormonal fluctuations occur naturally due to aging, menstrual cycles, stress, and health conditions. If you suspect hormones may be playing a role, a healthcare provider can run tests and discuss options. Recommendations may include lifestyle changes or, in some cases, hormone therapies.

Review Current Medications With a Healthcare Provider

Some medications, like certain antidepressants or drugs used to treat high blood pressure, can reduce sexual desire or cause changes in arousal and lubrication. If you’ve recently started a medication and noticed a shift in libido, don’t stop taking it on your own — talk to your provider about alternatives or ways to manage side effects.

Be Cautious With Supplements

The supplement market is full of products that claim to boost libido quickly, but many lack solid scientific evidence. Some ingredients — such as DHEA or herbal compounds like ginkgo biloba — have limited research supporting their effects and may cause side effects or interact with medications.

A healthcare provider can help you understand what’s safe, what’s potentially effective, and which treatment options (including FDA-approved medications for HSDD) may be appropriate.