Sex is a primal instinct and the driving force that has kept our human species alive and thriving. Yes, sex feels good. It’s fun. It provides the intimacy that couples need to reconnect. And most importantly, we need it to ensure the survival of mankind. But just like anything else, too much of it or lack thereof, can be detrimental to our health, especially for those who suffer from certain medical conditions and must be careful with the stresses they put on their body or the energies they exert. There is a lot to know about sex and adrenal fatigue syndrome, or AFS. There are many pros and cons. If you suffer from AFS, you’ll want to know what you’re in for when it comes to sex to make sure you are engaging in an optimal lifestyle conducive to healing and recovery.
What most sufferers of AFS do not know is that low libido is one of the most common hormonally related symptoms of AFS. The body is under so much stress at this time, it conserves energy as much as possible by not sending energy to low priority areas in the body like the reproductive system. It begins to redistribute its energy and spends most of its time and focus in recovery and survival mode. The hormones responsible for libido, such as estrogen and testosterone, drop off and sometimes stop completely, leaving a person with very little desire to have sex.
If you notice your libido dropping, along with the multiple symptoms listed below, it might be an indication that you have underlying medical problems like AFS. It would be a good idea to speak to someone who is highly experienced with sex dysfunction and adrenal fatigue so that you can begin on your road to recovery as soon as possible.
A few AFS symptoms to look for in addition to low libido include
When you are assessing your overall health, it's important to consider the entire NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response System. Examining each of the 6 systems is a good way to evaluate the body's functioning. The body acts as one property. When one system is unbalanced, it can affect every other system in the body.
If you think you might be suffering from a low libido due to adrenal fatigue, there is good news. As you recover from the condition, your sex drive will recover as well. The problem is not with your libido, but with your adrenals. There is no need to turn to any additional stimulants or medications to address this issue. In fact, taking additional supplements may be more detrimental to your healing process.
However, it is an important issue to address. Sex is a vital part of any relationship, and when one partner is sex deprived due to another’s insufficient libido, it could spell trouble. Sex therapists are reporting that this could be the number one sex problem couples deal with. Try your best to keep a healthy sexual relationship alive and flourishing in the bedroom to avoid adding any additional stress to your life. Here are what we recommend about sex and adrenal fatigue:
During a time of constant fatigue and low energy, sex could be the farthest thing from your mind, but engaging in it has many benefits for adrenal fatigue suffers. Sex and adrenal fatigue can co-exist if it is done right and under guidance so the AFS does not worsen and adrenal crash is prevented.
It is important to note that during sex, one can feel good, but for hours and sometimes days after sex, the body can be drained, leading to a state of severe fatigue. This is an indication that the body may not be up to the degree of sex you have engaged in. Allowing the body to heal and refraining from sexual activity may be indicated in such cases.
As odd as it may seem, masturbation does not count towards the majority of benefits sex has to offer for adrenal fatigue sufferers. In fact, it may work in reverse. For example, as research shows, sex lowered blood pressure in many studies, but masturbation did not. There are other significant reasons why masturbation differs from sex in its benefits for adrenal fatigue.
Due to your low libido, fatigue, and lack of energy, you may have absolutely no desire to partake in any sexual activity. Your AFS could be so far advanced that you’re barely getting out of bed. What happens then?
Well, your body could respond to a lack of sex in a few different ways. It could either lose interest, like an “out-of-sight-out-of-mind” kind of thing, or it could begin to crave the personal contact that goes along with it. Moods could actually shift into low gear. Due to a lack of blood flow, menopausal or older women who are not partaking in sexual intercourse are more likely to have thinning and drying of the tissues in the vaginal walls. Their lubrication can cease, or drop to lower levels quicker than if they were sexually active. Menstrual cramps may worsen.
Depending on the person, a lack of sex could increase or decrease stress levels. These are all important elements for individuals to watch out for when dealing with sex and adrenal fatigue. Sometimes the extra push towards intimacy and sex is needed at this point, especially to salvage relationships and keep the body functioning optimally.
Don’t cut sex out just because you have adrenal fatigue. Be cautious and assess your body and the benefits you could receive. You need a low to moderate level of exercise to stay healthy and fit, and sex is the perfect answer for adrenal fatigue sufferers. Be conscious of the length of time and the number of times per week you and your partner engage in sexual activity. Keep it balanced.
With precautions and knowledge, you do not have to give up your sex life. Sex and adrenal fatigue could go hand in hand. It is important that you know your limitations. Sex can also be a downer. Many women experience sadness, regret or feelings of coercion, which can lead to stress. If you or your partner suffer from sex and adrenal fatigue issues and are concerned about your sex life, it is best to get professional advice from those knowledgeable in the field.
There is a lot to be said about sex and adrenal fatigue. Sufferers must be sure to learn the facts to understand how to deal with lowered libidos, energy exertion, proper partner communications, and hormone deficiencies. Speaking with knowledgeable therapists and practitioners can be very beneficial.
