Low Libido in Women: How Undereating Impacts Hormones, Sex Drive & Fertility
Low libido is often blamed on hormones alone. But in many women, especially those with hypothalamic amenorrhea (missing period), chronic dieting, over-exercising, or low energy availability, the root issue goes much deeper.
Because when the body does not feel adequately nourished, reproduction becomes a lower priority.
This can affect:
- libido
- hormone production
- ovulation
- mood
- energy
- fertility
- overall vitality
And while oyster capsules and beef liver supplements can absolutely support reproductive health, supplements are unlikely to fully support libido and reproductive health if the body is still experiencing chronic under-eating and low energy availability.
The Hidden Link Between Undereating & Low Libido
When the body is not receiving enough energy consistently, the brain interprets this as a stressful environment for reproduction.
In response, the body may begin downregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the communication system responsible for regulating reproductive hormones.
This may contribute to symptoms like:
- low libido
- missing or irregular periods
- fatigue
- anxiety
- brain fog
- low motivation
- mood changes
- reduced fertility
Research on functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) has shown that women with FHA often experience lower sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction compared to healthy controls.¹
Importantly, this is not limited only to women who have completely lost their period. Women can still experience symptoms of low energy availability, such as low libido, fatigue, poor recovery, mood changes, and hormone dysfunction, even while continuing to cycle.
At The HA Society, we see this often in women who are technically still menstruating, but whose bodies are still experiencing chronic under-fueling and physiological stress.
This is one reason low libido is so common in women experiencing:
- hypothalamic amenorrhea
- chronic dieting
- excessive exercise
- low carbohydrate intake
- under-eating
- overtraining
The body prioritizes survival before reproduction.
Why Libido Is About More Than Estrogen
Many women assume libido is simply about having “balanced hormones.”
But sex drive is influenced by:
- energy availability
- stress levels
- nervous system state
- dopamine signaling
- thyroid function
- testosterone
- sleep
- nutrient status
- metabolic health
Low energy availability has been shown to disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and reproductive hormone signaling, particularly in women experiencing chronic under-fueling or excessive exercise.²
This is why simply taking supplements without adequately nourishing the body often falls short. Because physiology still responds to the larger environment.
Why Oysters Are Associated With Libido & Hormone Health
Once foundational nourishment is in place, certain nutrient-dense foods can help provide the raw materials involved in hormone production and reproductive health.
Oysters are one of the most nutrient-dense whole food sources of:
- zinc
- copper
- selenium
- amino acids
- trace minerals
This is one reason oyster supplements have become increasingly popular in conversations around libido, fertility, hormone health, and vitality.
Zinc & Female Libido
Zinc plays important roles in:
- hormone production
- testosterone production
- thyroid function
- dopamine signaling
- nervous system health
- reproductive health
Women need testosterone too.
And while testosterone is often discussed primarily in men, healthy testosterone levels also contribute to:
- libido
- motivation
- confidence
- mood
- energy
- sexual desire
Low zinc status may negatively impact hormone signaling and overall reproductive health.
Oysters are considered one of the richest natural food sources of highly bioavailable zinc.
Tyrosine, Dopamine & Desire
Oysters also naturally contain tyrosine, an amino acid involved in dopamine production.
Dopamine plays important roles in:
- motivation
- pleasure
- reward
- drive
- sexual desire
When the body is chronically stressed, depleted, or undernourished, dopamine signaling may also be affected.
This is one reason many women experiencing HA or chronic under-eating often report:
- emotional flatness
- low motivation
- reduced libido
- diminished pleasure
Additional Nutrients in Oysters That Support Reproductive Health
Oysters naturally contain additional nutrients involved in:
- hormone production
- thyroid health
- nervous system function
- energy metabolism
Including:
- selenium
- copper
- vitamin B12
- amino acids
- trace minerals
These nutrients work synergistically rather than functioning in isolation.
Why Many Women Pair Oysters with Beef Liver
While oyster capsules naturally provide:
- zinc
- selenium
- copper
- trace minerals
beef liver naturally contains:
- vitamin A
- iron
- B12
- choline
- amino acids
- CoQ10
Together, freeze dried oyster capsules and beef liver capsules provide broader nutritional support for:
- fertility
- energy
- hormone production
- thyroid health
- recovery
- overall vitality
This is one reason many women choose to pair oyster supplements with beef liver supplements.
Libido Requires Safety, Not Just Supplements
At The HA Society, our fertility practice, we talk often about how libido is not simply a hormone issue. It is often a safety issue.
When the body feels:
- underfed
- over-stressed
- exhausted
- depleted
- unsafe
it will often deprioritize reproductive function and sexual desire.
This is why many women notice libido improves when they begin:
- eating enough consistently
- reducing stress
- sleeping more
- restoring ovulation
- improving metabolic health
- recovering from HA
Supplements can support the process. But they cannot replace nourishment.
Why We Use Freeze-Dried Oyster Capsules
At Jool Wellness, our New Zealand oyster capsules are:
- freeze dried
- third-party tested
- free from fillers and synthetic additives
- sourced from clean New Zealand waters
Freeze drying helps preserve nutrients in their whole food form while maintaining the integrity of naturally occurring:
- minerals
- amino acids
- trace minerals
- cofactors
We also pair oysters with grass-fed freeze dried beef liver to provide broader nutritional support for fertility, hormone health, energy, and recovery.
Support Your Hormones & Vitality Naturally
If you’re looking for whole food supplements designed to support fertility, hormone health, libido, and overall vitality, explore our:
Because food first. Supplements second.
References:
- Cangiano B, et al. Sexual Function in Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Observational Study. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023.
- Elliott-Sale KJ, et al. Methodological Considerations for Studies in Sport and Exercise Science With Women as Participants: A Working Guide for Standards of Practice for Research on Women. Sports Medicine. 2021.
- Gordon CM, et al. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2017.
- Prasad AS, et al. “Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults.” Nutrition, 1996
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