1) Why mood and sexual health are linked
Mood and sex share the same brain circuits and hormones. Low mood, anxiety, sleep loss, medication side effects, or hormonal change (pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause) commonly reduce sexual desire and pleasure. Treating mood problems often helps sex — and treating sexual concerns can lift mood. Because of this overlap, mood medicine for female needs a joined-up plan that considers mental health, hormones, relationships and physical health.
2) What “mood medicine for female” means
When I say mood medicine for female, I mean medications and medically supervised treatments used to improve depressive and anxiety symptoms and to address their impact on sexual health — plus the specific medications that treat sexual desire disorders (sometimes called sex medicine). That can include:
- Antidepressants when depression or anxiety reduce wellbeing.
- Specific drugs for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- Approved treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
- Hormone treatments in selected patients.
- Careful combinations with therapy and lifestyle work.
3) Common medical options (what works and when)
Drugs for low mood (and what they mean for sex)
SSRIs and SNRIs (like fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram) are effective for depression and anxiety, and they are first-line in many women. However, they can sometimes reduce libido or delay orgasm — something we always weigh before choosing a drug. Bupropion is often considered when sexual side effects are a concern because it tends to have a lower risk of sexual dysfunction. Consult your clinician for a tailored choice.
PMDD (severe premenstrual mood symptoms)
For women with PMDD, intermittent or continuous SSRI treatment (for example fluoxetine/sertraline) is an evidence-based option and is FDA-approved in specific formulations for PMDD. These medicines can dramatically reduce premenstrual mood swings, irritability and low mood.
Treatments approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
There are two prescription medicines approved specifically for HSDD in premenopausal women:
- Flibanserin (Addyi) — a daily oral medication approved for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women. It works on brain neurotransmitters and is prescribed with specific safety checks (for example interactions with alcohol and certain other drugs).
- Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) — an on-demand self-administered injection used before anticipated sexual activity for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD. It has its own suitability and safety considerations.
(These meds are not “libido boosters” for casual use — they are for diagnosed HSDD that causes marked distress, after reversible causes are addressed.)
Testosterone for low desire — when it’s considered
Clinical consensus supports a carefully monitored, time-limited trial of testosterone in select postmenopausal women or others with confirmed HSDD who have not improved on other measures — but it is prescribed only with clear monitoring because evidence and safety data are limited. Guidelines recommend stopping if there’s no benefit after a trial period.
4) Non-drug approaches that matter
Medications can help, but most women do best with a combined approach:
- Sex therapy and couples therapy — address communication, expectations, anxiety and desire discrepancy.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) — excellent for low mood and anxiety that sap desire.
- Lifestyle — sleep, exercise, alcohol moderation and stress management.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy — for pain or muscular tension that interferes with sex.
- Local vaginal treatments — topical estrogen or moisturizers for postmenopausal genitourinary symptoms.
Always consider these before starting long-term hormone therapy where possible.
5) How we approach care at Female Sexual Health by Dr. Kusuma
At Female Sexual Health by Dr. Kusuma (Androcare-Swetha Scans, 67-A Journalist Colony, Road No. 70, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad — 500033; website: femalesexualhealth.in, Phone: 91 9000218377) our model is clinical and collaborative:
- Full assessment — medical history, medication review, mental health screening, hormone checks where indicated, and relationship context.
- Shared decision making — we discuss the pros/cons of antidepressants, PMDD options, HSDD medicines (flibanserin/ bremelanotide), and possible hormones.
- Safety first — we screen for contraindications (liver disease, drug interactions, alcohol use with certain medications), and carefully monitor side effects.
- Combine medicine + therapy — we refer for sex therapy or CBT alongside medical treatments whenever helpful.
- Follow-up — scheduled reviews to check benefits, side effects, labs (if needed), and to stop ineffective treatments.
If you live in Hyderabad, you can request a consultation through femalesexualhealth.in or visit our clinic at the address above.
6) Side effects, interactions & safety checks (what to watch for)
- Flibanserin/Addyi: alcohol combined with Addyi can cause severe low blood pressure and fainting; liver impairment and certain medications make Addyi inappropriate for some women. Always follow prescribing guidance.
- Bremelanotide/Vyleesi: can cause nausea, flushing and increased blood pressure in some women; it’s an on-demand injectable with specific instructions.
- SSRIs: effective for mood and PMDD, but may cause sexual side effects in some patients; discuss alternatives if sexual function is a priority.
- Testosterone: may cause unwanted masculinizing effects if misused; use only under specialist supervision with clear monitoring.
Always tell your clinician about all medications, herbal supplements and alcohol use before starting a new treatment.
7) Practical tips to bring to your appointment
- Keep a simple symptom diary (mood, sleep, desire, side effects) for 4–6 weeks.
- Note medications (prescription and OTC) and supplements.
- Think about relationship stressors and helpful/ unhelpful patterns during sex.
- Ask for a clear plan: expected benefits, timeline, what to monitor, and when to stop/change treatment.
8) Helpful enhancements
- Testing & monitoring: hormone levels, thyroid, iron, glycemic status when clinically indicated.
- Therapy referrals: local sex therapists and CBT therapists who work with sexual problems.
- Educational workshops: communication and intimacy workshops for couples (ask the clinic for upcoming dates).
- Patient leaflets: concise guides on PMDD, antidepressant side effects, and HSDD medication facts.
