ILLNESS & Libido: The Effects of Cytokines on Testosterone
It’s not much of a surprise that we lose our interest in sex and physical intimacy when we’re ill. Our libido drops greatly, the questions is why? The answer lies in the release of cytokines, which are substances related to the immune system that help attack invader cells like bacteria and viruses. When one falls ill, they release a high amount of cytokines, some of which are anti-inflammatory, but others are pro-inflammatory.
One of the best-known pro-inflammatory cytokines is IL-6, and it has been found to decrease the desire for sex and to reduce levels of testosterone and estrogen in individuals. IL-6 does not only travel to the gonads and shut down their function, but it also interferes with the receptors that the sex steroid hormones (estrogen and testosterone) bind to, impacting their effect.
When it comes to modulating sex steroid hormones and optimizing them, it is essential to keep levels of IL-6 low. To do this, it is crucial to increase another cytokine called IL-10, which is anti-inflammatory and helps promote the effects of sex steroid hormones.
By understanding the relationship between illness, cytokines, and testosterone, we can better understand why people's sexual behavior and desire for physical intimacy can change during periods of illness.
Healthy diet, lifestyles, proper supplements and herbs, and incorporating techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, qi gong and acupuncture can be a powerful combination for keeping your body regulated and your immune system in optimal shape.
