As a libido doctor, I often get asked about the efficacy of female libido supplements. While there are many options on the market, it’s important to understand the research behind these products. Understanding that product efficacy is directly related to the root cause of low libido is also essential.
Key Takeaways
- Herbal supplements can boost female libido. These include L-Arginine, Chasteberry, Ginseng, Maca Root, and Red Clover. They work by increasing blood flow, balancing hormones, and reducing stress.
- These supplements often work by balancing hormones, boosting blood flow to the sexual organs, and relieving stress.
- Eating healthy foods, regular physical exercise, and stress management techniques can naturally improve libido without needing supplements.
- Choose products that have been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Table of Contents
Overview on Female Libido Supplements
For example, if the number one reason for your low libido is that you do not feel connected to your partner, then these products will likely not have a substantial impact. Sometimes, low libido is due to our diet, internal dialogue, stress, or communication in our relationships. Other times, it can be due to a history of trauma or a lack of feeling safe in some area of your life that could be contributing to FSAD. Many things can contribute to low libido, and supplements are only effective if they match the underlying root cause.
So, what does the research say about these ingredients? Well, the truth is, there isn’t a lot of research on the effectiveness of female libido supplements as a whole. Some studies have suggested that individual ingredients, such as L-arginine or ginkgo biloba, may have some benefits for sexual function. However, the evidence is mixed for most and additional research is need.
Popular Female Libido Supplements
Supplements to increase low sex drive can play a role in enhancing sexual health and pleasure. Various herbal supplements are touted for their effectiveness in addressing low sex drive and promoting vaginal health.
L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that increases nitric oxide levels in the body, enhancing blood flow to the genitals and stimulating sexual arousal. This improved circulation can lead to heightened sensitivity and a more pleasurable experience.
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Chasteberry, known for regulating hormonal balance, helps alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. By maintaining stable hormone levels, it can positively impact sexual desire, especially for women over 40 experiencing hormonal fluctuations.
Ginseng
Ginseng enhances energy and vitality, contributing to an increased sexual desire. This herbal supplement has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its libido-boosting properties.
Maca Root
Originating from Peru, Maca Root balances hormones and boosts energy levels. These benefits can significantly enhance sex drive, making it a popular choice for women seeking to rejuvenate their sexual health.
In one study, women who took maca root for 12 weeks reported an increase in sexual desire and arousal compared to women who took a placebo.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Rich in isoflavones that mimic estrogen, Red Clover may improve sexual function. Isoflavones help maintain vaginal health and can improve overall sexual wellness.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that can decline with age. Supplementing with DHEA may help increase sexual desire and improve sexual function, particularly in older women, as this hormone naturally declines as we age.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety, two significant factors that can dampen libido. This adaptogenic herb supports overall well-being and can enhance sexual desire by promoting relaxation.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is known for its cognitive benefits. It also boosts blood flow, including to the genitals. This improvement can aid in achieving better sexual arousal and pleasure.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris supports libido by increasing androgen receptor density in the brain. It has been shown to increase testosterone levels in women. Testosterone is an essential hormone for sexual function, and low levels are linked to decreased desire and arousal.
How Supplements Work to Improve Sex Drive
Female libido supplements can improve sexual health and pleasure. They do this by addressing critical physical and mental factors.
Hormonal Balance
Maintaining hormonal balance is essential for sexual health, especially for women over 40. Vitamin D supports bone, muscle, and immune system health and impacts sexual arousal. Inadequate levels of Vitamin D can correlate with reduced sexual desire. Similarly, DHEA, produced by your adrenal glands, helps synthesize other hormones like testosterone. When DHEA levels drop, the risk of sexual dysfunction increases. Zinc also plays a pivotal role in balancing estrogen and progesterone levels, which are essential for libido enhancement.
Enhanced Blood Flow
Boosting blood flow to sexual organs significantly influences sexual pleasure. L-arginine is an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide in the body. This improves circulation to sexual organs, which can stimulate arousal. Ginkgo biloba leaf is in many libido-boosting supplements. It increases blood flow and relaxation, which are vital for sexual function.
Stress Reduction
Stress can significantly impact your sex drive, making stress reduction vital for boosting libido. Supplements containing Ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels, helping to manage stress effectively. By alleviating stress, these supplements indirectly support sexual health and performance, making it easier to enjoy moments of intimacy without the burden of anxiety.
Safety and Considerations
Potential Side Effects
When considering libido supplements, it’s essential to be aware of possible side effects. Common side effects of these supplements, such as herbal supplements and vitamins, may include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. In some instances, more severe effects like hypotension and syncope can occur. Flibanserin (Addyi), an FDA-approved – for low female sexual desire, has also been associated with these side effects. Although many women over 40 seek these supplements to enhance sexual health, caution is necessary due to potential adverse effects.
Consulting a Libido Health Expert
Before using any supplements, consult a libido-health professional. This is particularly important for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking medications for heart conditions, liver conditions, HIV, Hepatitis C, or high blood pressure. Pregnant or nursing women should also seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can help evaluate your specific needs, recommend safe options, and minimize risks related to sexual arousal and vaginal health.
Do Supplements and Vitamins Work Naturally as Viagra?
Unlike Viagra, which boosts blood flow to the male genitals, female libido supplements use various methods to increase sex drive. These can include balancing hormones like testosterone, improving blood flow to sexual organs, and reducing stress levels. While they don’t work exactly like Viagra, they can enhance sexual pleasure and overall sexual health when used correctly.
FDA Approval Status
The FDA approval status of libido supplements is another consideration. Many products are not FDA-approved, so their safety and efficacy aren’t guaranteed. Flibanserin (Addyi) is one of the few approved medications for low libido in women. But, other supplements, especially herbal ones, might not have undergone rigorous scientific evaluation. Choose vetted products. They will protect your health while you seek to improve your sexual well-being.
Natural Alternatives and Lifestyle Changes
Can Changing Your Diet Help Your Sex Life?
Certain foods and nutrients play have a positive impact on sexual health. Foods rich in Vitamin B3, such as chicken and fish, improve blood flow and energy levels. Vitamin D sources like fatty fish, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products support bone and muscle health. Also, to boost sex drive, consume Vitamin E-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and spinach, which improve oxygen flow to your sexual organs.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Aerobic exercises to boost libido, like running or swimming boost blood flow. Strength training, like weight lifting, boosts testosterone and sexual performance. Exercise also reduces stress, another critical factor in improving libido. An active lifestyle can help female libido, especially in those over 40. A mix of cardio and strength workouts is best.
Stress Management Techniques
Managing stress is essential for maintaining a healthy sex life. Chronic stress can negatively affect sexual arousal and overall sexual health. Use relaxation techniques. Try yoga to balance your body and mind. Or, try meditation to calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Practice deep breathing to reduce stress and improve focus. It will boost your libido. Finding joyful, relaxing activities can increase sexual pleasure and intimacy in your relationships.
Wrapping It Up
Checking out female libido supplements can amp up your sexual health by balancing hormones and getting the blood flowing. Mix these supplements with a healthy diet, regular workouts, and stress-busting activities like yoga and meditation. You should see a boost in your sexual energy. If not, go deeper into root causes with our libido masterclass or talk to a libido specialist, leading to a more satisfying sexual experience.
At MyLibidoDoc™ we teach you why you have a low libido and teach you how to correct it. There are many different reasons why you may have low libido. While there are herbal aphrodisiacs and products like those mentioned above that can be helpful to some women, the real magic comes in when you understand all of the different layers tied into low libido. To really get at the root, this is not a “take a pill” situation. Low libido is your body talking to you. We help you take your relationships and libido from average to AWESOME! We offer fabulous MASTERCLASSES to help you get back to stellar libido, stellar pleasure and incredible relationships!
References:
Dording, C., Schettler, P., Dalton, E., Parkin, S., Walker, R., Fehling, K., Fava, M., & Mischoulon, D. (2015). A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/949036.
Souza, K., Vale, F., & Geber, S. (2016). Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause, 23, 1252–1256. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000766.
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