Why Is My Sex Drive So High?

Many men consult a doctor when they feel their sex drive is too low, but can a libido actually be too high?

If you're here asking yourself, "Why is my sex drive suddenly so high?"—don’t worry, it's perfectly normal for libido to fluctuate throughout life. Hormonal changes, new medications, and even lifestyle adjustments can all influence sexual desire, regardless of your age.

Although having a high libido is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes cause stress in a relationship if your partner has a different sex drive. It can also become problematic if it starts to interfere with daily activities and functioning.

If you're concerned about your heightened libido, keep reading to learn what might be behind it, what constitutes a "normal" sex drive, and when it might be time to consult a healthcare professional.

What Is a High Sex Drive (High Libido)?

Your libido, or sex drive, is essentially your desire to engage in sexual activities. This could involve partnered sex, masturbation, watching porn, sexting, fantasizing, or any other form of sexual activity.

A high sex drive simply refers to having an increased level of sexual desire.

Biologically, libido is regulated by sex hormones like testosterone and chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. However, behaviors, psychological factors, and medications can all impact your sex drive and the chemicals that control it.

There isn’t a universal standard for a “normal” libido. Some people naturally have lower sex drives, while others have higher ones, and an individual's libido can change over time.

Some research suggests that men's sex drives tend to decline with age. One study showed that middle-aged men (ages 40-60) had three times lower libido than younger men (ages 18-29). This is often related to decreasing testosterone, which can also contribute to issues like erectile dysfunction (ED).

But these trends are far from universal. Many older adults remain sexually active, with libidos that fluctuate just like those of younger individuals.

There was once a belief that men’s libido was more stable compared to women’s, but recent research indicates that both men and women experience similar fluctuations in sexual desire. Both genders’ libidos are affected by things like stress and the quality of their relationships.

If your libido is high, you may wonder whether you’re dealing with hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior. However, just because you're experiencing an increase in sexual interest doesn’t mean there's a problem.

A spike in libido can be due to hormonal shifts, medication changes, mental health factors, or lifestyle habits like increased exercise or better sleep.

Your Hormone Levels Are Changing

Research shows a strong link between testosterone and sexual desire.

During puberty, testosterone levels in boys increase dramatically—about 30-fold—which often leads to changes in mood, behavior, and libido.

While testosterone levels typically decline with age, an Australian study found they actually peak around age 20 and remain stable until gradually increasing in the sixth decade of life. A significant decline only occurred after age 80. This study involved over 120,000 subjects, with roughly half being male.

Certain actions can affect testosterone levels, leading to fluctuations in desire and arousal. These include starting testosterone replacement therapy and making healthy lifestyle changes like improving diet, increasing exercise, and losing weight.

You've Changed Your Medication

Starting or stopping certain medications can also affect your sex drive.

Antidepressants often cause a loss of libido, so switching medications or lowering your dosage can sometimes increase your sex drive.

Similarly, coming off antihypertensive medications, which are used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, may lead to a rise in libido. However, this should always be done under medical supervision.

Certain drugs may also inadvertently increase libido. For example, dopamine agonists used to treat conditions like Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome can sometimes boost sexual desire.

You're Exercising More

Exercise doesn't just help build bigger muscles—it can also boost your libido.

Studies suggest that increased physical activity is associated with a higher sex drive, likely due to a rise in testosterone. Exercise may also reduce ED risk by increasing nitric oxide activity, improving endothelial function, lowering stress, and enhancing body image.

Moderation is important, though, as very intense exercise can actually decrease libido.

You're Getting More Sleep

You probably know that testosterone is linked to libido, but did you know that a lack of sleep can significantly lower your testosterone levels?

A 2018 study found that testosterone levels decreased by 5.85 ng/dL for every hour of lost sleep.

Getting more sleep may lead to higher testosterone levels and an increase in libido, though sleep quality is also important. Studies show that testosterone begins to rise as you fall asleep, reaching its peak during the first REM sleep and maintaining that level until you wake up. If REM sleep is delayed, testosterone rises more slowly.

You're in a New Relationship

Entering a new relationship can often lead to a surge in sexual desire, especially if you’re experiencing exciting new experiences after a dry spell. Infatuation often increases desire, while long-term relationships can see a decrease in libido due to familiarity.

That said, it’s possible to reignite passion even in long-term relationships. A 2023 study found that sexual desire increased when partners found a balance between closeness and “otherness.” This “otherness” could mean having physical distance, personal projects, or mental space to appreciate your partner as a unique individual.

Your Mental Health Status Has Changed

Stress is a common libido killer. Chronic stress results in elevated cortisol levels, which can suppress the sex hormones that regulate desire and arousal. It also prevents you from being fully present and enjoying sexual experiences.

Depression has a similar effect, reducing libido and causing erectile dysfunction.

If you've recently overcome stress or found effective treatment for mental health issues, you may notice an increase in libido and improved enjoyment of sexual activities.

If you’re dealing with a high sex drive while your partner has a low libido, it can lead to relationship challenges.

Just like men, women experience changes in sexual desire due to factors like hormonal changes, contraception, stress, and lifestyle habits. It's also possible that at different times, your partner might have a higher sex drive than you.

Open communication and consulting a sex therapist can help address mismatched libidos. You might also want to explore our guides on how to spice up your sex life, make sex more enjoyable for her, and initiate sex with your partner.

Sometimes adding new elements to your sexual routine, like using a sex toy or high-quality lube, can also help.

While a high sex drive doesn't necessarily indicate hypersexuality or sex addiction, there are times when it could.