The Role of Testosterone in Female Sex Drive
Red clover may help with vaginal health, libido, and sexual function. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally makes. It’s used to make other hormones that are important to your sex life, like testosterone and estrogen. Your DHEA levels are highest when you’re a young adult, then they slowly decrease as you age. Yes, especially in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. In a 2017 literature review, DHEA seemed to help increase libido and arousal in women. It also made sex less painful and more pleasurable.
- Some pills contain pheromones to attract sexual interest instantly.
- Certain vitamins, like B6 and B12, may improve mood and vitality quickly.
- Nitric oxide boosters can increase blood flow and arousal rapidly.
- Herbal stimulant blends are marketed for immediate mood enhancement.
- Quick-acting mood enhancers include L-arginine supplements.
- Aromatherapy sprays claim to set a sensual mood instantly.
DHEA also seemed to be linked to more frequent sexual activity and orgasms. DHEA can interfere with many common medications, especially psychiatric medications. At high doses, it’s linked to an increased risk of breast ed tablets cancer and ovarian cancer. DHEA seems to be helpful for women before, during, and after menopause. But check with a healthcare professional to make sure DHEA is a safe option for you. Ashwagandha is an herb that’s used frequently in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s often used for reducing stress, anxiety, and inflammation. It can be taken as a pill supplement or added to food and tea.
- Black cohosh is sometimes used to increase libido temporarily.
- Yohimbine is a supplement linked to improved blood flow and desire.
- Maca root is popular for boosting energy and sexual desire swiftly.
- Ginkgo biloba is thought to improve circulation and arousal quickly.
- Damiana herb is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac for immediate effect.
- Horny goat weed may support increased arousal within an hour.
According to the Nutritional Medicine Institute, there’s not much evidence on whether ashwagandha helps with sexual problems in women. But in some small studies, ashwagandha did improve lubrication, sexual arousal, and sexual satisfaction. Ashwagandha is generally safe to use in food and tea. But keep in mind that it can interfere with other medications. And it can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, and headache.
The #1 Prescribed Treatment for frustrating Low Libido1
And it may address menopause-related pain and discomfort during sex. There’s also evidence that chasteberry may help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This could be useful for women who have PMS-related sexual problems. But some people experience mild side effects, like an upset stomach, headache, and itching. It’s also not clear whether chasteberry is safe for people with hormone-sensitive conditions (like certain cancers).
Biological And Hormonal Influences
Be aware that chasteberry can interact with several medications, like birth control pills and antipsychotics. Possibly, especially if your sexual problems seem to be linked to menopause or PMS. But first be sure to check with a trusted healthcare professional about whether chasteberry is safe for you to try. Ginseng is a medicinal plant traditionally used to reduce stress, improve energy levels, and increase blood circulation. Like L-arginine, ginseng may encourage blood flow to your genitals, which might improve arousal, orgasm, and vaginal health. There hasn’t been a lot of research on ashwagandha and sexual problems in women.
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But keep in mind: It does seem to help with stress and anxiety. So if these are affecting your sex life, ashwagandha could be a good choice for you. Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is a plant traditionally used to improve sexual function in men. It may work by increasing blood levels of testosterone — a hormone that’s related to libido, arousal, and orgasm in both men and women. Overall, the evidence is too limited to say for sure whether puncturevine helps support sexual wellness in women — especially since there haven’t been many well-designed trials yet.
| Tip | Description | Implementation Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Stay Hydrated | Improves overall effectiveness | Drink plenty of water before and after |
| Maintain Healthy Diet | Supports mood and energy levels | Consume antioxidants, lean proteins |
| Exercise Regularly | Boosts endorphins and blood flow | Light cardio before taking pills |
| Reduce Stress | Optimizes hormonal balance | Practice breathing or meditation |
In one small study of 60 women, taking puncturevine for a month improved: But in several other studies, it didn’t work better than placebo treatment. Puncturevine may have some risks, including unwanted hormonal changes. It can also potentially interact with many medications and cause stomach upset.
Natural supplements for libido to avoid
There are many different types of ginseng. Sexual health studies often focus on Korean red ginseng (KRG), which is a type of Asian ginseng. Ginseng may work for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. One review of research showed that KRG improved sexual arousal in menopausal women. In another study, menopausal women taking ginseng had better sexual function and improved menopause symptoms and quality of life.
IN CLINICAL TRIALS1, WOMEN ON ADDYI EXPERIENCED:
What’s not known is whether KRG can improve sexual function in premenopausal women. A 2015 study suggested that both placebo and KRG led to improved sexual function. So more research is needed to understand how ginseng affects premenopausal women. Ginseng is generally safe for most people in the short term (up to 6 months). But its long-term safety isn’t clear, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There hasn’t been a lot of research on puncturevine and sexual health. And in most of the research, puncturevine didn’t seem to work very well. Probiotics are live microorganisms — like bacteria and yeast — that may have health benefits when you eat them or take them as supplements. You can get them from fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, or from supplements. Most people take probiotics to support gut health. But they may also help support sexual health. Some research suggests that probiotic supplements may improve sexual function in women — especially those taking antidepressants. In one small study, women who took probiotics for 8 weeks reported less depression and better sexual function compared to those who didn’t. There’s some evidence that gut bacteria can affect hormone levels, which may influence sexual desire. But it’s not clear which probiotic strains work best — or what dose is most helpful. For most healthy people, probiotics are considered safe. Mild side effects can include gas or bloating.
My experience with Addyi
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant rich in phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that act like estrogen in your body. Estrogen is a hormone that has many jobs, including keeping your vaginal tissues healthy. Estrogen also plays a role in libido and sexual arousal. Yes, there’s evidence that red clover can support vaginal health in menopausal women, and reduce vaginal dryness and pain during sex. In a small study of women over age 40, taking red clover helped with vaginal dryness, low libido, and pain during sex.
Bufo toad
Red clover may also help with hot flashes, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis. But the evidence to support these claims hasn’t been consistent. According to the NIH, people have taken red clover for up to 3 years in research studies without any safety concerns. But you shouldn’t take it during pregnancy or while nursing. Yes — especially if you’re in your 40s or older. People with weakened immune systems should talk with a healthcare professional before using probiotics. Possibly, especially if low mood or antidepressant use is part of the picture. Probiotics are low risk and may have other health benefits as well. There are many other supplements that claim to help your sex life. But most have little to no evidence to support them. And some can be harmful or toxic. A 2015 literature review of about 50 scientific articles suggests products to avoid, including: When it comes to these supplements, the risks seem to outweigh the benefits. Many supplements are safe to use and have minimal side effects.
- Sildenafil (Viagra) can increase blood flow, potentially boosting arousal.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) works longer, providing hours of improved mood and desire.
- Levitra (Vardenafil) may help enhance sensitivity and desire quickly.
- Injectables like alprostadil increase blood flow instantly for arousal.
- Herbal supplements like ginseng are believed to boost energy and mood.
- OTC products claim to enhance libido through various ingredients.
But just because a treatment is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s free of risk. In fact, many OTC treatments can have powerful effects in your body — but not always in the way you intend. If you decide to try an herb or supplement for sexual wellness, talk with a healthcare professional first. This is especially important if you have other health conditions, take prescription medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements, so their contents (and safety) aren’t guaranteed. Many commercial products have multiple ingredients, which can make it hard to know exactly what and how much you’re taking. If you do decide to try an herbal preparation or other supplement, make sure you choose a brand that uses independent third-party testing.
What women are saying
But most of the published research on maca has been on its effects in men. Only a few studies have looked at maca and women’s sexual health. So far, there’s some evidence that maca might be helpful for sexual function during menopause. Maca may also help with the sexual side effects that antidepressant medications can cause. Maca seems to be safe when eaten as a food (up to 3 g daily).
Consider Your Preferred Form
It may be slightly riskier if taken in larger quantities as a pill. Note that raw maca should be cooked before consuming. Try to avoid taking maca at night because it can disrupt sleep. Possibly, especially if you’re going through menopause, or if an antidepressant causes you to have low libido. Keep in mind that it may be safer to add cooked maca to food, rather than taking it as a higher-dose capsule. This ensures that the supplement contains no contaminants and has an accurate ingredient label.
Real Science. Real Results.
Yes, especially if you’re going through menopause. There’s good evidence that KRG may help with menopause symptoms — including sexual problems. Maca is a root vegetable native to Peru. It’s traditionally used to help with infertility, boost libido, and balance hormone levels. Researchers don’t know exactly how it works.
Mad honey
It may have mild estrogen-like effects in the body. And it may be an “adaptogen” (an herb that helps your body respond to stress). Maca can be prepared as a food, either baked or roasted. It’s also available as a powder that can be mixed into smoothies or other recipes. In some cultures, maca is prepared as a fermented drink. Certain foods may help improve your libido by boosting testosterone, nitric oxide, or antioxidants. Foods that increase dopamine or nitric oxide levels may also increase libido. But it’s important to note that many studies on libido have been done on animals. Examples of foods that may increase libido include: Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and peanuts Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and peanuts Watermelon juice may be worth trying for its possible effect on female libido. But it’s important to know that most studies on watermelon and sexual health have been conducted on animals, not humans. So more research is needed to prove this link in humans. Green tea also has the potential to help with female libido since its catechins help support healthy blood flow. Alcohol is linked to low sex drive and problems with sexual functioning.