Low libido
Low libido in men over 40: why desire drops and how to get it back
Many men notice that desire is not what it was in their 20s. Low libido in men over 40 is common, but it is not simply a matter of age, and much of it can be improved.
In short: Libido after 40 is affected by gradually falling testosterone, belly fat, poor sleep, stress, alcohol, medicines, low mood and relationship routine. Testosterone drops only about 1 percent a year after 30 to 40, so a sudden or large fall in desire usually has another cause. Exercise, weight loss, better sleep, stress support and reconnecting with your partner help many men.
Is low libido normal after 40?
Some change is normal. Most men still have healthy desire well into later life. If your drive has dropped sharply, or it bothers you or your partner, it is worth looking at the reasons.
Common causes
Falling testosterone
Levels decline slowly with age, faster with weight gain and poor sleep. See testosterone levels by age.
Belly fat
Fat tissue turns testosterone into oestrogen. Read belly fat and testosterone.
Sleep problems
Short or broken sleep, including sleep apnoea, lowers testosterone. See testosterone and sleep.
Stress and burnout
Career peaks, children and financial pressure leave little energy for desire.
Alcohol
Regular drinking dulls libido and erections.
Medicines
Some blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and prostate medicines can reduce desire.
Low mood
Depression often shows up first as loss of interest. See depression and erectile dysfunction.
Relationship routine
Long relationships can slip into routine and distance. Read how to improve intimacy in a relationship.
Natural steps that help
- Strength training two to three times a week
- Brisk walking most days
- Losing belly fat
- Seven to eight hours of sleep
- Limiting alcohol
- Zinc, vitamin D and magnesium if your intake is low
- Making time for intimacy without pressure
Get checked if
You also have tiredness, loss of morning erections, low mood, reduced muscle or breast tenderness. An appropriately registered medical professional can check hormone levels. We do not offer blood tests or testosterone therapy, but we can support you naturally.
How a naturopath helps
We look at sleep, stress, diet, weight, medicines and relationships and build a personalised natural plan to restore desire.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
- Do you feel tired most days, even after a full night in bed?
- Has your weight around the middle increased?
- Have stress, low mood or poor sleep become more common?
- Have you noticed weaker erections or fewer morning erections?
Two or more yes answers suggest that energy, sleep, stress or weight may be affecting your drive. These are areas where natural, practical support often makes a real difference, and a naturopath can help you work out where to start.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a man to lose libido after 40?
Some change is normal, but a large or sudden drop usually has a cause such as stress, sleep, weight, medicines or low mood.
How can a man over 40 increase his libido naturally?
Exercise, weight loss, better sleep, less alcohol, stress management and time for intimacy help most men.
Is low libido after 40 caused by low testosterone?
Sometimes, but testosterone falls slowly. Other causes are often more important.
Should I get my testosterone checked?
If low libido comes with tiredness, weaker erections or low mood, ask an appropriately registered medical professional about testing.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Walk in at our Sandton practice any time, day or night, or book ahead. Outside Gauteng? Book a remote consultation.
References and further reading
- Mayo Clinic: Male hypogonadism
- Mayo Clinic: Male menopause, myth or reality?
- Mayo Clinic: Depression (major depressive disorder)
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
