Did you know—if you’re not horny, you’re not healthy

The phrase “If you’re not horny, you’re not healthy” sounds deliberately incendiary, but beneath the shock value lies a conversation worth having.

Libido is often treated as frivolous, awkward, or something to laugh off, but it is deeply connected to how our bodies and minds function. Sexual desire doesn’t exist in isolation. It responds to hormones, sleep, stress, nourishment, movement, and emotional safety. While a high libido is not the gold standard of wellness, persistent changes in desire can offer meaningful insight into what’s happening beneath the surface. In that sense, horniness isn’t a verdict; it’s a signal.

Sexual desire is a normal biological function influenced by hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. These hormones do far more than govern reproduction. They affect energy levels, mood, muscle mass, bone health, and overall vitality. When the body is well-regulated, libido often follows suit. When something feels off physically or mentally, desire is frequently one of the first things to dip.

That said, framing horniness as a measure of health can be reductive. Sexuality educator and author Leeza Mangaldas offers an important reframe. “I’m wary of any framing that treats horniness as a moral or medical benchmark,” she says. “But I do think it’s important to say this clearly: libido is a useful signal, not a scorecard.” She explains that desire naturally ebbs and flows across life stages, stress levels, mental health, relationships, medication, hormones, and even social conditioning. “Not feeling horny doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong with you, but a sudden or persistent drop in desire can be an invitation to check in with your body, mind, or circumstances with curiosity rather than shame.”

Mangaldas also highlights a broader concern, particularly for women. “The bigger health issue I see is the pressure to pathologise low desire while ignoring burnout, unequal emotional labour, poor sleep, anxiety, and lack of pleasure literacy,” she explains. “When we reduce health to horniness alone, we miss the real question: do you feel safe, rested, connected, and allowed to want what you want, at the pace you want it?” On a lighter note, she adds, “One thing that almost immediately makes me feel more horny is vigorous exercise like a run or a really intense workout.”

Libido and mental health are closely intertwined. Stress, anxiety, and depression are well-known desire dampeners. When the mind is overwhelmed, the body shifts into survival mode, prioritising essential functions over pleasure. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can suppress testosterone and blunt sexual desire across genders.

This is why desire often disappears during periods of emotional overload or exhaustion. It’s not a failure of the body, but a response to feeling constantly on edge. When relaxation and safety are missing, libido struggles to find space.

Movement, recovery, and hormonal balance

From a wellness and movement perspective, libido reflects how supported the body feels overall. Yoga instructor Anshuka Parwani explains, “From a wellness and movement perspective, libido is closely linked to overall physical and hormonal health.” She adds, “When the body is well-rested, well-nourished, and moving regularly, desire tends to function more optimally. Conversely, chronic stress, inflammation, poor sleep, or burnout often show up as low energy and reduced libido.”

Exercise plays a crucial role because it improves circulation, supports endocrine health, and helps regulate stress hormones. “Practices such as yoga, Pilates, and strength training help balance hormones including estrogen, testosterone, and oxytocin, all of which influence sexual health and desire,” Parwani notes.

She also points out that libido changes are often misunderstood. “Many people experience changes in libido not because of age or lack of interest, but due to overtraining, under-recovery, or prolonged stress,” she explains. “In these cases, scaling back intensity and focusing on restorative movement often leads to noticeable improvements.” Yoga, in particular, helps calm the nervous system. “Desire is closely tied to the parasympathetic nervous system. When the body feels calm and regulated, libido naturally improves. Breathwork, spinal mobility, and hip-focused movement can all support this process.”

Diet also plays a vital role in sexual well-being. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports hormone production and sustained energy. Nutrients like zinc and vitamin D contribute to testosterone production, while healthy fats support overall hormonal balance. On the other hand, excessive sugar, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods can disrupt hormones, drain energy, and dull desire over time.

Libido thrives when the body feels nourished rather than depleted.

Horniness is not a requirement, a goal, or a measure of worth. But it can be a useful messenger. Changes in desire often reflect shifts in stress, rest, movement, nourishment, and emotional well-being. Rather than treating libido as something to fix or force, it’s more helpful to listen to what it’s pointing toward. As Parwani puts it, “Libido is not an isolated function. It reflects how supported the body feels overall.” When the body feels safe, regulated, and cared for, desire often follows naturally. Health isn’t about chasing a feeling; it’s about creating the conditions where pleasure has space to exist.

Image credits: IMDb

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