Do Steroids Reduce Sex Drive?

Posted on Thu, 31 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 Answered on

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello!

A couple weeks ago I had a severe pain in my back behind my left shoulder blade. I finally went to my physician and he put me on a week of steroid tablets. I can't remember the name of them, but the pain subsided immediately and has not returned. I don't know if this could be related, but since then I have had absolutely no libido. This is very odd for me as I am usually very easily aroused sexually. Could this be a side effect of the steroids? I hope it is not long lasting and things get back to normal. lmk thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Saatiish Jhuntrraa (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is due to estosterone suppression

Detailed Answer:
hello
Thanks for choosing wwwhealthcaremagic
Yes, steroids can reduce your sex derive due to suppression of testosterone production . But you have taken for a very short time so it should be fine in a few weeks.
Dr Saatiish Jhuntrraa

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Saatiish Jhuntrraa (5 minutes later)

thank you. I found the name of the steroids. It is dexamethasone 4mg. I took 2 1/2 tablets for 7 days for a total of 20 tablets. I finished taking them 6 days ago. I thank you for your answer and I hope that this situation is not long lasting as I have never experienced low or no libido before. I am relatively healthy and active in every way.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Saatiish Jhuntrraa (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should be fine in a few weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I also hope you will be all right in a few weeks.
DR SAATIISH JHUNTRRAA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar