The NAD+ Link to Sexual Wellness

Low sex drive is more common than most of us think — and it doesn’t always have to do with age. Even physically healthy people can experience dips in libido due to stress, hormonal fluctuations, mental fatigue or disrupted sleep. For women, this can be especially common post-menopause, but men are just as susceptible. Changes in testosterone levels, lifestyle pressures and emotional wellbeing can all play a role.

But there’s one factor that might be quietly influencing our sex drive behind the scenes: NAD⁺. This powerful coenzyme, present in every living cell, plays a key role in energy production, hormonal balance and brain function — all of which are closely tied to sexual wellbeing.

Let’s explore how NAD⁺ may be linked to libido, and why supporting cellular health could help reignite desire from the inside out.

NAD+ and Energy Levels

Low energy is one of the most common reasons people report a drop in sexual desire. After all, when you’re fatigued, intimacy may be the last thing on your mind. NAD⁺ is essential for helping the mitochondria convert food into usable energy (ATP) so that our cells can function effectively.

By replenishing NAD⁺ levels, it may be possible to improve overall energy and reduce fatigue, which could help create the mental and physical space for intimacy to return. In this way, NAD⁺ might indirectly support libido simply by helping you feel more like yourself again.

NAD+ and Sex Hormones

Hormones can be seen as the fuel behind the fire of our desire.

Oestrogen is a sex hormone that plays a central role in the menstrual cycle, vaginal lubrication and libido in women. For men, the key player is testosterone. When levels drop, so can desire, energy and performance. Interestingly, women also rely on testosterone to support sexual interest, though in much smaller amounts.

Some research suggests NAD⁺ can influence the activity of enzymes involved in producing key sex hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen. By supporting the energy production within hormone-producing cells, NAD⁺ may enhance the efficiency and balance of the body’s natural hormone systems.

NAD+ Levels Drop as We Age — and So Does Sex Drive

While low libido isn’t only about ageing, it is true that NAD⁺ levels naturally decline over time — a process linked to lower energy, reduced metabolic function and slower cellular repair. This depletion is often mirrored by a gradual decline in sexual desire and function.

Although libido is multi-faceted, maintaining cellular health by supporting NAD⁺ levels might just counteract some of the physiological effects — whether related to ageing, stress or hormonal shifts — that contribute to reduced sexual interest or performance.

NAD+ Helps Protect Neurons

Our nervous system plays a huge role in sexual arousal and function, from the brain’s role in desire to nerve signals that facilitate physical response. NAD⁺ generates enzymes that help protect neurons from stress and maintain synaptic plasticity. In doing so, it may help preserve the neural pathways involved in sexual function, helping keep the communication between mind and body firing more efficiently.

NAD+ and Psychological Wellbeing

This involvement in neuroprotection also links to how we’re feeling mentally: low mood, anxiety and stress can all impact libido. NAD⁺ has been linked to the regulation of mood and brain function, with some studies highlighting the association between NAD+ levels and depression.

By helping to balance the brain’s chemical environment and reduce oxidative stress, supporting NAD⁺ levels may also play a role in improving overall wellbeing — which can be a powerful factor in restoring healthy sexual desire.

A Holistic Look at Sexual Health

There’s no single fix when it comes to libido — it’s influenced by our hormones, mental health, energy levels and more. But NAD⁺ may be one piece of the puzzle that’s often overlooked.

By supporting cellular energy, hormone regulation, neurological function and psychological wellbeing, maintaining healthy NAD⁺ levels could offer a more holistic foundation for sexual wellness — whether you’re dealing with stress, hormonal changes or simply feeling off balance.

The impact NAD⁺ has on the body’s core systems suggests that supporting our levels of this coenzyme could help reignite confidence, connection and intimacy — all essential ingredients for keeping the spark alive.