Sexual Health Compounding

Low Sex Drive in Men Support

Also called low libido in men, decreased libido, loss of sexual desire, low sexual desire in men

Low sex drive in men has many causes, and low testosterone is only one. When a provider confirms low testosterone and prescribes treatment, Mixwell in Chino, CA prepares it to their order.

Low Sex Drive in Men Support

Signs people notice

  • Less interest in sex than before, lasting weeks or months
  • Fewer sexual thoughts or fantasies
  • Less initiation of sex with a partner
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Low mood or loss of interest in other activities
  • Changes in erections

Clinical Overview

What is low sex drive in men?

Low sex drive, also called low libido, is a lasting drop in interest in sex that bothers a man or strains his relationship. It is common, and it has many possible causes. Low testosterone is one of them, but not the only one, so the cause matters before any treatment.

What can cause it

Low testosterone is defined by guidelines as a total testosterone below 300 ng/dL together with symptoms such as reduced sex drive, confirmed on repeated morning blood tests [1][2]. A high level of the hormone prolactin can also lower desire, and it is diagnosed with a simple blood test [3].

Other common causes include depression, stress, poor sleep, relationship strain, and chronic illness. Some medicines list decreased libido in their labeling, including certain antidepressants and finasteride for hair loss [6][7].

What the evidence says about testosterone

In the Testosterone Trials, 470 men aged 65 and older with low libido and low testosterone received testosterone gel or placebo for a year. Testosterone improved sexual desire and activity, and the gains tracked how much testosterone rose [4]. A two year study of middle aged and older men with low testosterone found improved desire and sexual activity, but not erectile function [5].

These results apply to men with confirmed low testosterone. Guidelines do not support testosterone for men with normal levels [1][2].

How Compounding Can Help

When a provider confirms low testosterone and prescribes treatment, a compounding pharmacy can prepare it in a form or strength that commercial products do not offer.

  • Testosterone creams and gels at the strength the prescriber sets
  • Troches that dissolve in the mouth, for men who cannot use a topical
  • Dye free and filler conscious versions for sensitive patients
  • Small, adjustable strengths for careful titration

Mixwell is a non sterile pharmacy, so injectable testosterone and implantable pellets are outside what we prepare. Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance, and your provider will explain how to use a topical form without passing it to partners or children. Diagnosis, dosing, and monitoring belong to your provider.

Common Formulas Prescribers Order for This

Each formula is prepared only with a valid prescription. Your prescriber decides what is appropriate.

What to ask your provider

  • Should my testosterone be checked, and should the test be repeated in the morning?
  • Could any of my medicines be lowering my sex drive?
  • Could stress, sleep, or mood be part of this?
  • Should my prolactin or other hormones be tested?
  • If my testosterone is low, what are the options, risks, and effects on fertility?
  • How will we know if treatment is helping?
Call (909) 378-7301

Common Questions

Is low sex drive in men always caused by low testosterone?

No. Low testosterone is one possible cause, but stress, depression, poor sleep, relationship strain, chronic illness, high prolactin, and some medicines can all lower desire. A provider can check morning testosterone levels and look at these other causes before deciding on treatment.

Does testosterone therapy increase sex drive?

In men with confirmed low testosterone and low desire, large trials found testosterone improved sexual desire and activity, but not erections. Guidelines recommend treatment only for men whose deficiency is confirmed by symptoms and repeated morning blood tests, so testing comes first.

Can medications lower sex drive in men?

Yes. Decreased libido is listed in the labeling of several common medicines, including some antidepressants and finasteride for hair loss. Do not stop a medicine on your own. Ask your prescriber whether one of your medicines could be playing a role and what your options are.

Are compounded medications FDA approved?

No. Compounded preparations are not reviewed or approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness, and they are dispensed only with a valid prescription for one patient. The FDA recommends an FDA approved drug when one is available and appropriate for the patient. Your prescriber decides when a compounded preparation fits.

References
  1. Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, et al. Evaluation and management of testosterone deficiency: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(2):423 to 432.
  2. Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715 to 1744. doi:10.1210/jc.2018-00229
  3. Melmed S, Casanueva FF, Hoffman AR, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(2):273 to 288. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-1692
  4. Cunningham GR, Stephens-Shields AJ, Rosen RC, et al. Testosterone treatment and sexual function in older men with low testosterone levels. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(8):3096 to 3104. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1645
  5. Pencina KM, et al. Effect of testosterone replacement therapy on sexual function and hypogonadal symptoms in men with hypogonadism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024;109(2):569 to 580. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgad484
  6. PROZAC (fluoxetine) capsules. Prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023. FDA label
  7. PROPECIA (finasteride) tablets, 1 mg. Prescribing information. Drugs.com label
  8. Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(3):633 to 641.
  9. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988lifeline.org

Compounded in Chino, CA. Delivered across California.

  • Chino
  • Chino Hills
  • Ontario
  • Pomona
  • Diamond Bar
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Eastvale
Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy 13788 Roswell Ave, Ste 158, Chino, CA 91710
(909) 378-7301

Mixwell is a state licensed, non sterile compounding pharmacy and a PCCA member, preparing each formula in a lab built to USP 795 and USP 800 standards. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA and are dispensed only with a valid prescription. We do not prepare sterile products or injectables. Nothing here promises a specific result, and compounded preparations are not presented as superior to commercially available products. Mixwell does not accept insurance. Call for pricing.