The best libido boosters for women are a bit of a fad. It is easy to get swept up by promises of quick fixes that you can read about online.
When it comes to your libido, it is less about libido boosters and more about understanding why the libido is low to begin with.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
- Incorporate herbs like maca, ashwagandha, and sea moss, along with aphrodisiac foods such as dark chocolate and oysters, to naturally enhance libido and sexual health.
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, quality sleep, and open communication with your partner can significantly improve sexual desire and satisfaction.
- Popular ingredients like Vitamin B3, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids can support libido but should be used with caution to avoid side effects.
- Prescription medications like Bupropion and hormone therapies involving estrogen or testosterone can effectively enhance libido, especially for women over 40.
- Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new supplements or treatments to avoid adverse reactions and ensure personalized, safe, and effective therapy.
But Before We Talk about the Best Libido Boosters for Women…
There are some generalities that we can make when it comes to boosting that fallen libido. The first one sounds simple, but it can be complex. Most women need to feel safe to have a healthy libido. When we do not feel safe, our cortisol and adrenaline rise. And for most women, this turns off any desire or drive. Think about this anatomically.
If you are in a hetero relationship, having a man literally enter inside you is the most vulnerable thing in the entire world. To allow that to happen is giving up a certain amount of control. The body does not lie. If you feel unsafe (even subconsciously) due to big things or simple things such as being minorly gaslit in conversation. Or it can be having a partner snap at you when you needed a hug – this can lead to safety needs being unmet.
If small little things that make you feel unsafe happen repeatedly, it can lead to the body really shutting down sexual desire. I speak about this before going into a list on best libido boosters for women because these things will likely not work if there are other underlying needs that are not being met. If you feel stressed, unsafe, worried, or anxious, working on boosters for the libido likely will not solve the problem!
Make sure you check out our masterclass programs on libido where you can get all your libido questions including information on lab testing, protocols, how to have difficult conversations and more answered! Check that out HERE!
Natural Libido Boosters
Natural female libido boosters can help enhance sexual desire and improve overall sexual health. Here are some effective options:
Herbs and Vitamins
- Maca: Abundant in amino acids, maca has been shown to enhance libido and increase sexual sensitivity. Incorporate it into smoothies or snacks for a daily boost.
- Ashwagandha: This adaptogen alleviates stress and elevates mood, indirectly supporting sexual desire. Regular intake, especially during high-stress periods, can make a significant difference.
- Peptide therapy is gaining more publicity these days. VIP is a peptide that can help with libido.
- Dopamine enhancing products such as SAMe, B6 and Tyrosine can help with libido.
- Pine Bark has been shown to improve libido in menopausal women.
- Tribulus is another impressive herb for improving libido.
- Gaba: This is a natural product that helps your nervous system calm and can be supportive of lowering the stress response in individuals.
- L-Arginine: An amino acid that improves circulation, which can enhance arousal. Found in dietary supplements and some foods, it can help you feel more responsive during intimate moments.
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): This adrenal hormone might increase libido, though its effectiveness varies. If opting for this, consult with a healthcare provider, as hormonal supplements can have varied effects.
- Sea Moss: Rich in iron, sea moss can boost libido and enhance overall sexual wellbeing. Adding it to your diet may also bring other health benefits, like improved digestion.
Aphrodisiac Foods
- Dark Chocolate: Known to release serotonin and improve mood, dark chocolate can create a positive emotional atmosphere conducive to intimacy.
- Oysters: High in zinc, oysters can improve dopamine levels, enhancing libido in the process.
- Avocado: Packed with healthy fats and vitamins, avocados support hormonal balance. They’re versatile and can be included in different meals.
- Strawberries: Rich in antioxidants, strawberries increase blood flow, which can improve sexual function and arousal.
Lifestyle Changes
Incorporate lifestyle changes to bolster your libido:
- Regular Exercise: Enhances blood flow and boosts endorphins, creating a natural high that can lead to increased desire. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports overall health and hormonal balance, which can directly impact libido.
- Stress Management: High stress levels can inhibit sexual desire. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress effectively.
- Quality Sleep: Lack of sleep negatively affects your libido. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night.
- Communication with Partner: Open dialog about your feelings and needs with your partner can also play a significant role in improving intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
Over-The-Counter Supplements
Popular Ingredients
Exploring the right over-the-counter supplements can significantly enhance your libido. Some of the most popular ingredients include vitamins and minerals that support various bodily functions.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Helps convert nutrients into energy and improves blood flow, leading to enhanced sexual function.
- Vitamin D: Important for maintaining healthy bones and muscles, this vitamin also supports the immune system and has been linked to better sexual function and lower risk of depression.
- Vitamin E: Known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E supports hormonal balance and vitality by improving blood flow.
- Zinc: Essential for digestion and cell development, Zinc also boosts testosterone levels while supporting estrogen and progesterone balance.
- Magnesium: Involved in over 300 enzymatic processes, Magnesium aids in improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for reducing anxiety and depression, these fatty acids also increase dopamine levels and support hormone synthesis.
Safety Considerations
When choosing supplements to boost your libido, prioritize safety. Consult with a specialist before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Be aware of possible side effects and adhere to recommended dosages to avoid adverse reactions. Incorporate these supplements into a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to maximize benefits and support long-term well-being.
Medical Treatments
When you’re over 40, maintaining libido can be challenging. Hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle factors all play roles. Fortunately, several medical treatments exist to help boost your sexual desire.
Prescription Medications
Many prescription medications can enhance libido by improving mood and reducing anxiety. Here are a few options:
- Mirtazapine (Remeron): This – is primarily used to treat depression. It has the added benefit of increasing libido in some women, helping you feel more engaged and interested in sexual activities.
- Vilazodone (Viibryd): Another antidepressant, Vilazodone, may also improve sexual function. By enhancing your overall mood, it can indirectly increase your desire for intimacy.
- Bupropion (Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin XL, others): Well-known for its libido-boosting properties, Bupropion can be particularly effective. It helps balance brain chemicals, making it easier for you to feel sexually aroused.
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix): This – is designed to treat major depressive disorder. Some women report improved sexual function when using Vortioxetine, which can invigorate your intimate life.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone levels significantly affect libido, especially as you age. Hormone therapy can help manage these changes:
- Estrogen: Available in pills, patches, sprays, gels, and vaginal creams, estrogen can alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort. These symptoms often make sex uncomfortable, but estrogen therapy can help, making intimacy more pleasurable and increasing your sexual desire.
- Testosterone: Though not FDA-approved for treating sexual issues in women, testosterone can be prescribed off-label to enhance libido. It’s especially useful after menopause when testosterone levels decline. By restoring balance, testosterone therapy can renew your interest in sex.
For many women over 40, addressing libido issues can significantly improve quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about these treatment options to find a solution that works for you.
Alternative Remedies
Alternative remedies for boosting libido in women over 40 offer natural, holistic approaches to enhance sexual desire and overall well-being. These methods can complement traditional treatments and provide additional benefits.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are popular for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. Lavender promotes relaxation and eases stress, which can positively impact libido. Ylang-Ylang is known for its aphrodisiac qualities that enhance mood and increase sexual desire. Clary Sage balances hormones and supports overall sexual health. To use, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and apply on your skin or add to a diffuser for aromatherapy.
Acupuncture and Massage
Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, can improve sexual function and desire. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points to balance the body’s energy flow, enhancing libido by reducing stress and improving blood circulation. Massage therapy offers similar benefits, promoting relaxation and easing muscle tension. Techniques like Swedish massage increase blood flow and release endorphins, helping you feel more connected to your body and partner.
Counseling and Therapy
Counseling and therapy offer crucial support for women with low libido due to psychological factors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps reframe negative thoughts and boost sexual confidence, while sex therapy addresses relationship dynamics and enhances intimacy. Talk therapy provides a safe space to explore underlying issues affecting sexual desire. A licensed therapist can guide you through personalized strategies to improve your libido and sexual health.
Combining these supplements and lifestyle changes can create a holistic approach to improving libido for women.
Work With a Libido Specialist
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Conclusion
Boosting libido for women over 40 is all about a holistic approach that actually work. Natural remedies, lifestyle tweaks, and supplements can perk up your sex drive and overall well-being. Essential oils, acupuncture, and a bit of counseling can also help out. Just be sure to check in with your specialist to make sure everything’s safe and sound. Staying informed and proactive can really help tackle low libido and amp up your sexual health and life quality.
1. Pellow J, McGrath L. Herbal medicine for low sexual desire in menopausal women: A clinical review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Nov;25:122-129. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.09.007. Epub 2016 Sep 17. PMID: 27863600.
2) Gonzales GF, Córdova A, Vega K, Chung A, Villena A, Góñez C, Castillo S. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002 Dec;34(6):367-72. doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x. PMID: 12472620.
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