Will we soon be able to solve the low libido issues thanks to a simple injection of hormones? According to British researchers, the kisspeptina natural hormone that stimulates the release of other reproductive hormones in the body, may increase brain activity linked to arousal and sexual attraction.
If kisspeptin had already been shown to promote male sexual appetite or stimulate women’s ovaries to produce eggs, two new trials published in February 2023 in the journal JAMA Network Open also showed that beyond the sex-related increase in brain activity, some women may feel “sexier” after receiving this hormone. Men improved their “happiness about sex”.
In men with low sexual desire due to hypoactive sexual desire disorder, kisspeptin may modulate brain activity in the sexual processing network, improving sexual desire, arousal, and penile tumescence. https://t.co/OEannvSxTi
—JAMA Network Open (@JAMANetworkOpen) February 3, 2023
Researchers from Imperial College London studied the effects of kisspeptin injections in 32 women and 32 men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The latter results in a weak sexual desire which can prove to be heavy on a daily basis for the individual and would affect around 10% of women compared to 8% of men. This is the first time this treatment has been tested on people with low libido.
Towards a future treatment?
The results are quite positive: kisspeptin may well attenuate hyperactivity in HSDD-related regions while stimulating activity in key sexual regions of the brain. In men, it could also have an impact on the rigidity of the penis: in front of erotic videos watched as part of the test, it would increase up to 56%.
It is also among those who were most affected by their low libido that the improvements were the most obvious. Young people were also more likely to mention these problems compared to older people. “Women and men with low sex drive find there’s too much thinking about performance – they’re introspective and it suppresses primal drives so they don’t get aroused”told the BBC study co-author Dr Alexander Comninos of Imperial College.
The hormone could be developed as a treatment for libido disorders due to its apparent benefits and lack of reported side effects. “Collectively, the results suggest that kisspeptin may offer a safe and much-needed treatment for HSDD which affects millions of people worldwide.”. But before a potential deployment, other more important studies are necessary.
What can be the causes of a low libido?
Many factors can be at the origin of a disorder or a decrease in libido. Relationship problems, stress, erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness can have a significant impact, as well as taking certain medications such as antidepressants or certain contraceptives.
Certain periods of life when hormones fluctuate can also have an impact on sex life, especially during menopause, during pregnancy or just after childbirth.
Finally, certain diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, a thyroid problem or cancer can also affect the libido, to the point that treatment may sometimes become necessary.
Sources:
- Effects of Kisspeptin Administration in Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Network OpenOctober 2022
- Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing and Penile Tumescence in Men With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Network OpenFebruary 3, 2023
