Low Sex Drive Isn’t “Just Aging.” It’s a Hormone Problem—And You Can Fix It

Losing interest in sex isn’t just part of “getting older.”

Let’s get one thing straight—losing interest in sex isn’t just part of “getting older.”

If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and you’ve noticed a drop in libido, weaker erections, or just a general sense that your drive isn’t what it used to be... it’s not all in your head. And it’s not about willpower.

There’s a science to what’s happening. And the good news? You’re not stuck this way.

The Real Reason Your Sex Drive Is Dropping

Most men assume low libido is just what happens with age. But that’s a myth. What’s really happening under the hood is a slow, steady shift in your hormonal environment—and it’s sabotaging more than just your bedroom performance.

Here’s the short list of usual suspects:

  • Testosterone – The engine of male vitality. When it drops, so does your sex drive.

  • Estrogen – Yes, men have it too. It is made from testosterone only and when optimized drives a man’s libido.

  • DHEA – A key hormone for energy, mood, and libido that declines with age.

  • Cortisol – Your stress hormone. High cortisol lowers testosterone and kills desire.

  • Thyroid hormones – Low thyroid function can mess with energy, metabolism, and libido.

In short? Your hormones are running the show—and when they’re out of balance, everything feels “off.”

Why This Happens As You Age

Around age 30, testosterone levels begin to decline by about 1% per year. Doesn’t sound like much—until a decade or two goes by and suddenly your motivation, energy, and sexual interest have tanked.

But it’s not just time. Here’s what accelerates the decline:

  • Chronic stress – It jacks up cortisol, which suppresses testosterone.

  • Poor sleep – Testosterone is mostly made at night. If you’re not sleeping, you’re not producing.

  • Abdominal fat – Belly fat converts testosterone into estrogen.

  • Processed foods and alcohol – Wreck your gut, spike insulin, and disrupt hormone production.

  • Environmental toxins – Plastics, pesticides, and pollutants act like estrogen in the body.

So yes, aging plays a role—but lifestyle, nutrition, and stress are pouring fuel on the fire.

Symptoms Most Men Ignore (But Shouldn’t)

Low libido is just one signal. Here are a few others that often go hand-in-hand:

  • You’re tired even after 8 hours of sleep

  • You’ve lost muscle despite lifting regularly

  • Your belly is growing but your motivation isn’t

  • Your focus is shot and your mood is off

  • You don’t feel like yourself anymore

Sound familiar? That’s not just “midlife.” That’s hormone imbalance—and it’s fixable.

Why “Normal” Lab Results Are Failing You

Here’s the part most doctors miss: just because your labs fall in the “normal range” doesn’t mean they’re optimal.

Most men feel their best when testosterone is in the top third of the range—not scraping the bottom.

Same goes for thyroid, DHEA, and other key markers. Standard labs look for disease. I look for dysfunction.

At Codex, we don’t treat lab numbers—we treat people. If your drive is down, your mood is flat, and your energy is gone, you deserve more than “You’re fine.”

What You Can Do About It

This isn’t about popping a pill and hoping for the best. Real results come from fixing the root causes:

1. Optimize Your Hormones

That means looking at testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid, and more—then using science-backed methods (sometimes including medical therapy) to bring them back in range.

2. Eat for Hormone Health

Skip the sugar and ultra-processed carbs. Focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and enough protein. Your hormones are built from what you eat.

3. Lift Weights, Lift Testosterone

Strength training increases testosterone naturally—especially compound lifts like squats and deadlifts.

4. Prioritize Sleep

7–8 hours of deep, restorative sleep is non-negotiable. No hormone plan works without it.

5. Cut the Stress

Chronic stress burns out your hormone system. Learn to unplug. Whether it’s breathwork, walking outside, or just setting boundaries—your hormones will thank you.

Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Settle

Low sex drive isn’t a “new normal” you have to accept. It’s a signal your body is out of balance—and that signal can be fixed.

You can rebuild your libido. You can reignite your energy. And you can feel like yourself again.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your health, it starts with a proper assessment. Let’s find out what’s really going on—and fix it at the root.


CODEX

The Art of Aging Well

A revolutionary approach, created by award-winning, board-certified physician and surgeon, Dr. Peter Marta, combining the precision of conventional medicine and the nuance of functional medicine. At the heart of Codex is hormone optimization, with a comprehensive system addressing seven core areas vital for men’s wellness. What even many physicians overlook is that hormonal health and gut health are inextricably linked—you can’t have one without the other. Codex addresses these connections, unlocking vitality and balance through a tailored, easy-to-follow, scientific approach.



Dr. Pete Marta

I’m Dr. Peter Marta (affectionately known as Dr. Pete), a board-certified physician and surgeon. I focus on men’s health and hormone optimization. You don’t have to decline after 40. You can be in the best shape of your life from here on out.

Through my science-backed program, Codex, that combines the precision of conventional medicine, with the nuance of functional medicine, I’m here to help you reclaim your health and thrive after 40 and beyond.

https://www.petermarta.com/
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