A woman’s libido can be as active (or not) as a man. Every woman’s sex drive goes through highs and lows, and very often you might not even know why exactly you’re not interested in getting intimate. Experts, however, say that this considered normal and that women should hit the panic button only if their libido crashes for long periods of time. Here are some reasons why your sex drive goes through ups and downs…

Your brain is in charge during sex While you may assume that sex is a physical activity, it is your brain that is actually in charge! There are certain important areas in your brain where the initial desire emerges —the ventral striatum, amygdala, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex and pituitary. Any glitch in these areas can cause your sex drive to nosedive. Hence, it is important to identify underlying medical conditions first in order to deal with the problem.

Drive doesn’t decrease with age

Unlike popular opinion that sex drive decreases with age, an increasing number of studies say it is quite the opposite. While it is true that a woman’s fertility dwindles with age, her sex drive becomes better. Experts say that one of the reasons this probably happens is because it is nature’s way of encouraging you to conceive in spite of advancing age. Another reason is that older women worry a lot less about conceiving, which boosts their sex drive.

Stress affects your sex drive

Stress affects men and women in different ways. High levels of Stress can wreak havoc on a woman’s sex drive. And this, in turn, can have a negative impact on relationships. Learn to deal with your stress —explore ways that help you unwind and make a conscious attempt not to get worked-up unnecessarily.

Blame it on medications

It is often observed that certain medications can put you off sex. Premenopausal women, especially, who may be on medicines for medical conditions can be most affected. Even some birth control pills have side-effects, which include low libido. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to change your medication if you feel it is to blame for your lack of interest in sex. Other medications that cause disinterest in sex include certain antidepressants and blood pressure medicines.

Consider having aphrodisiacs

Pay extra attention to your diet Certain foods double up as aphrodisiacs and can help spice things up in the bedroom. Allow yourself generous helpings of strawberries, blueberries, watermelons, avocado, chickpeas, oysters and honey.

A large number of women hesitate when it comes to seeking help for sexual problems especially a declining sex drive. Most assume that things will improve in time without realising that an veiled medical condition could be to blame. Don’t waver if it seriously starts affecting your relationship. Getting professional help will help you cope and improve things.

Yoga poses boost your libido

Forget about practicing yoga only to unwind — certain poses are said to actually boost your libido. Doing the Adho Mukha Svanasana or the downward dog pose regularly is said to boost your libido. This pose helps increase blood flow to the pelvic organs, which is why it is recommended to women. Experts, whoever, say that one needs to do this for a couple of months before actually getting any benefit.

Last year, the female pill to improve sex drive was welcomed by women across the globe. But while the pill does its job, it is also said to come with a host of side-effects such as nausea, lethargy and giddiness.