Symptoms & complaints
Libido and your blood
A reduced libido is normal and often has several causes: stress, relationship, lifestyle and physical factors. Blood testing can reveal a number of physical, treatable factors.
In short
- Libido is vaak relationeel, psychisch of een bijwerking van medicatie. Bloed geeft een deelantwoord.
- Meetbaar meespelend: testosteron (en vrij testosteron), schildklierfunctie, prolactine en de ijzervoorraad.
- Bij mannen meet u testosteron in de ochtend; later op de dag ligt de waarde structureel lager.
- Normale hormoonwaarden sluiten een lichamelijke oorzaak grotendeels uit, maar verklaren de klacht niet weg.
What you can measure
Not every cause is visible in blood. These are the values that most often explain something.
Recommended test
Aanbevolen bij verminderd libido
Essential Hormones Male
5 markersDe hormonen die bij verminderd libido daadwerkelijk te meten zijn, in een afname.
- Personal assessment by a registered doctor
- Clear laboratory report, in plain language
- No referral needed
- 800+ blood draw locations
€159
Plus 29,- blood draw fee per order, free from 225,-.
Which blood values give insight?
In men and women, testosterone can play a role in sexual desire. Thyroid function and an iron deficiency can also have an influence via energy and fatigue.
Hormones fluctuate during the day; the time of sampling matters. An abnormal value does not fully explain libido.
When testing is useful
With a persistently reduced libido, especially combined with fatigue or mood symptoms, targeted blood testing can provide direction. Psychological and relational factors often weigh heavily; discuss persistent symptoms with your GP.
Frequently asked questions
Which blood values are relevant for libido?
Often relevant are testosterone, thyroid function and iron/ferritin. Which ones are useful depends on your situation and sex.
Does the time of sampling matter?
Yes, for testosterone a morning sample is usual, because the value is highest then and best to assess.
Is a low libido always physical?
No. Psychological, relational and lifestyle factors often play a major role. Blood testing only reveals the physical factors.
Sources
Recommended test
Aanbevolen bij verminderd libido
Essential Hormones Male
5 markersDe hormonen die bij verminderd libido daadwerkelijk te meten zijn, in een afname.
- Personal assessment by a registered doctor
- Clear laboratory report, in plain language
- No referral needed
- 800+ blood draw locations
€159
Plus 29,- blood draw fee per order, free from 225,-.
Read more