For many men, one of the most surprising side effects of common medications is a loss of libido. Instead of attributing it to aging or stress, understanding what your body is trying to tell you can empower you to take control of your health.

Most men don't know that some of the very medications meant to "fix" one part of your health may be damaging another. But you'll see that this all ties back to the framework they come from.

There are two systems of healing:

• One is about trust and divine design. It believes that the body can heal itself when given the proper support. This is where herbs, minerals, and rest shine.
  
  
• The other comes from fear. The belief is that the body cannot heal on its own, so it needs external intervention in the form of medications. This approach never asks why something is happening but instead steps in to override the symptoms.

Let's take a closer look.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications or treatment plan. Your body is unique, and informed, collaborative decisions with your provider are key to long-term health.

Can Blood Pressure Medication Affect Your Performance?

If you take medication for high blood pressure, it likely falls into one of two categories:

1. Beta Blockers

Think of your heart as an engine that responds to stress or demand. When your body needs more output, adrenaline tells your heart to beat faster and harder. Beta-blockers step in and cut off that message.

Rather than asking why your heart is under pressure, the medication mutes the signal and slows everything down.

Yes, your blood pressure may decrease, but so does circulation, especially to the smaller blood vessels responsible for sexual function. This includes those in the genitals, where steady blood flow is necessary to maintain an erection. Reduced flow means reduced sensitivity, performance, and satisfaction.

2. Diuretics ("Water Pills")

These medications force your kidneys to flush out water and salt, but they don't ask why your body is holding on to fluid in the first place.

• Is it inflammation?
• A backed-up lymph system?
• Overworked adrenal glands (which produce your stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline)?
• A high-sodium, low-mineral diet?

Diuretics override the body's signal instead of working with it. As a result, they flush out vital electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Now, zinc plays a direct role in testosterone production and sperm health. Zinc is to testosterone what oil is to an engine: without it, nothing runs smoothly.

So, while your numbers might look good on paper, your drive, energy, and performance could be fading in the background.

The good news is that there are time-tested ways to support healthy circulation without suppressing the body's signals. These natural alternatives can help you regain your edge without any undesirable effects.

• Hawthorn is the "heart herb" used for centuries to support your heart and vascular strength.
• Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and support steady rhythms.
• Beetroot and pomegranate support nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow to small vessels.
• Movement, especially walking, acts as a natural pump for the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Hawthorn Berry - SHOP HERE 

How Mood Meds Affect Motivation, Craving, and Intimacy

Your sex drive depends on a well-coordinated system of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

• Dopamine is your engine. It drives desire, motivation, and the pursuit of reward.
• Norepinephrine is your spark plug. It increases alertness and readiness for arousal.
• Serotonin is your brake system. It promotes calm, stability, and emotional regulation.
• Testosterone is the fuel. It powers physical readiness and libido.

Medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) increase serotonin levels in the brain. While this can help stabilize mood, it often does so by suppressing dopamine.

Here's what that might look like:

• You care about your partner, but you don't crave intimacy.
• Mentally, you say yes, but your body won't follow through physically.
• You feel emotionally disconnected or foggy, even during moments that once sparked closeness and intimacy.

SSRIs can also interfere with how the brain sends signals to your body, especially those linked to arousal. That means reduced sensation, delayed arousal, and difficulty reaching climax. 

When it comes to restoring motivation and emotional presence, these herbs have been used for generations to support balance without numbing desire:

• Rhodiola may help support mental clarity, physical stamina, and natural energy cycles.
• Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to help the body adapt to stress and promote balanced hormones.
• St. John's Wort is traditionally used to support a more uplifted mood and emotional resilience.
• Passionflower is known for promoting calm while still allowing clarity and emotional presence.

Always speak with your practitioner when exploring options that support natural healing.

Why Sedatives May Numb Your Drive

GABA is one of your body's natural calming chemicals. Its primary job is to quiet the nervous system by slowing down brain activity, so you feel calm. That's why health professionals often prescribe medications like benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium) for short-term relief of acute anxiety or panic attacks.

But intimacy depends on energy and responsiveness. So, while the sedatives shouldn't affect sexual response, they often reduce sensitivity and libido as part of their overall sedating effect.

That might look like this:

• You're mentally present but feel stuck in neutral.
• Physical touch feels muted or less pleasurable.
• Erections may take longer and not last as long.
• You feel sedated or flat like your spark has faded.

If your goal is calm without disconnection, there are more effective ways to soothe the nervous system without compromising your sexual health. 

• Magnesium nourishes the nervous system and supports deep, restorative sleep.
• Passionflower and lemon balm promote calm without sedation.
• Chamomile and lavender help soothe anxious thoughts and promote relaxation.
• Daily rhythms like movement, nourishing meals, and nature often bring more clarity than another sedative.
• Proper hydration is equally important, given that the symptoms of dehydration and depression often overlap.

Your Next Move. 

Ask yourself:

• Could my medication be interfering with how I feel?
• Am I supporting my body with essential minerals, adequate rest, and regular movement?
• What small shift can I make this week?

If you'd like to go deeper into supporting healthy circulation, Mum's newest book, Sustain Me, is packed with practical strategies to strengthen your heart, boost blood flow, and fuel performance from the inside out.