Cholesterol is the major carrier hormone of testosterone and estrogen. Men who lower their cholesterol levels very quickly, or take them below the recommended range, can suffer from low levels of circulating testosterone and hence a low libido. This is common in men who become obsessive about their eating and try to exclude all fat from their diet. The Fat Advantage Equally, it can happen to people who suffer from digestive complaints that cause fat malabsorption, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It can also occur when part of the gut has been removed through surgery, as this decreases the amount of saturated fat that can be absorbed, and hence the quantity of cholesterol that can be manufactured.
Most people know only about the negative aspects of cholesterol.
But, in this instance, cholesterol is a desired part of our hormonal make-up. If there are medical reasons why you cannot absorb fat efficiently and you suspect that your low libido may be a side-effect, seek the advice of a dietician, as they will be able to help you stagger your fat intake in a way that will maximize cholesterol production. Other men who have started rigorous non-fat diets should lighten up a little, and they'll probably find their libido will improve. This situation can occur if body fat levels drop below the ideal range, or if you become obsessive about losing weight or exercising. Exercise, if taken in moderation, shouldn't compromise your cholesterol metabolism or libido, but if you suspect you're a bit over-muscular and have too little body fat, seek the advice of a sports dietician, who will be able to advise you on how you can increase your cholesterol level.