Low libido - can anyone help please?

[LesleyPumpshaft]

This never used to be a problem, but since a long period of illness and stress my libido has never really recovered. I used to have a really healthy - ahem - 'appetite'.

DS is a teenager and I have not just had a baby, so it isn't even anything like that and I think 35 is too young to be hitting the menopause.

I just feel tired and can't muster the enthusiasm. Plus, me and DP have different body clocks. I work from home and sometimes start work at 4:00 am. I am a natural early riser and get more work done and can concentrate better if I get up early. DP works 9 to 5, so I'm knackered when he might be feeling frisky anyway.

I'm a bit worried about the impact this could be having, but I'm not prepared to sacrifice my productivity work-wise as we need the money and my early morning work time is also my 'me' time!

I still find DP attractive, but I do have body hang-ups which don't help. Also, our families live far away and DS is still only 13. He is going through an antisocial teenage phase where he never wants to stay over at his mate's house etc. So, couple time is like gold dust non existent.

Is it worth going to see my GP about my low libido? Can anyone help?

Work on your health and fitness first, as it is hard to feel frisky if you are run down. Revamp your diet, join a swim club or an exercise class, or even take up walking or cycling, and get more sleep. Works for me anyway - if I am fit and healthy and getting enough exercise I feel better in myself and all of that works in the right direction.

I wouldn't go to the GP ,myself, as I don't think there is anything wrong with you. You are just not getting enough sleep, and are consequently run down.

Agree with Panic. You are working hard and maybe a bit run down, also don't under estimate the stress of having a teenager. Speaking from experience in some ways I think it is slightly easier when your children are younger, moods swings, concerns about school, their friends, etc can be very tiring.
Also try reading some erotic fiction (no, not bloody 50 shades of grey) or watching something a bit spicy, in doesn't have to be anything heavy, but it may help to help you get in the right mood set for building your libido up.

Thanks panicnotanymore. The health problems are behind me now, but I suppose I do still feel run down. I make an effort with diet and exercise, martial arts, walking and good old Jillian Michaels with her 30 day shred etc!

mrsmillsfanclub, totally agree with you about teenagers!

That's one of the reasons I get up so early. I can have a good stint working before I have to crank out the electric cattle prod and get DS awake and upright. Tbh he is so foul and awkward in the morning that I feel completely drained and pissed off by the time he leaves for school.

Combine that with DP constantly nagging and criticising DS and I end up thinking 'thank fuck I've already got a big chunk of work done, I would hate this to be the start of my day'. By the time they both leave I often find myself fantasising about going back to bed for a nap.

Thanks for the suggestion about something spicy. I'm going to try that tonight.