This article is about Low Libido, in women who actively like sex but are finding their minds & bodies are not quite responding in their typical manner. Low libido happens to almost everyone at one point. The frustration comes when you actively want to have sex because it is a key component of your intimate relationship, but you’re having problems becoming fully aroused and reaching orgasm. The byproduct of being unresponsive becomes a lower interest in sex.
STORY: ” I knew I needed to do something when even my vibrator wasn’t giving me results. I’m usually about 3 minutes to orgasm, and there I was half an hour later, still buzzing. I was so frustrated I threw it across the room!” – Celia
STORY: ” I love sex, but no matter what we tried I wasn’t getting wet, my clit was laying there like a squashed pea, my nipples didn’t get all tingly, and I was counting down the minutes till it was over. I still needed the intimate connection and enjoyed pleasing my husband, but it was frustrating to be missing out on all the wonderful sensations that I normally had.” – Alia
I have good news… so get ready to order some products. But first the nitty gritty…
Low Libido isn’t just a Menopause problem, hormone fluctuations happen at many different stages of our lives. Low Libido is common after childbirth, while under mental strain, when tired, in poor health and during Perimenopause and menopause. The wonderful thing about hormones is there are ways to correct imbalances.
Clinical evidence suggests that Androgens play a key role in sexual desire and satisfaction. Androgens are hormones found in both men and women. The most common ones are testosterone, androstenedione & DHEA. Although higher in men, in women they contribute to over 200 actions and are present in higher amounts than our estrogens. Androgens are produced in the ovaries, adrenal gland’s and in our fat cells. Androgen levels drop 50% between age 20 and Menopause. For some going the route of hormone replacement therapies can be beneficial.
Whether you choose a Hormone therapy administered through a clinic specializing in hormone treatments of choose to use Natural Supplements, general advice is to keep a health journal and take your supplements for a minimum of 2 months to properly gauge their effects. Discuss with your doctor any supplements or medications you are taking, and disclose the level of stress in your life as cortisol may be a factor.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)
There are many different opinions on this subject. Some doctors do not want to prescribe hormone therapy because it is a synthetic hormone that increases your risk for blood clots and stroke. It is most dependent on what other health issues you have, and which ones are the most debilitating.
Hormone therapy can greatly benefit those who still want to maintain an Active Sex Life, are concerned with Hair Loss, Dry Thinning Skin, Vaginal Atrophy, or Urinary Incontinence. However it is important to rule out the thyroid as the true culprit. Hormone Therapy comes in various forms and can be made specifically for you based on your test results. Usually through a Compound Pharmacist.
Hormone Therapy regardless of the type is not a “take a pill and you’re fixed solution”. It can take multiple tries, months adjusting doses, and can have adverse side effects. For some PMS type symptoms rear their ugly head, including: emotional outburst, bloating, irritability, and weight gain.
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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT utilizes natural hormones not synthetic; can also be custom made for you, and can be a great alternative to traditional HRT. This is especially helpful if your thyroid has been ruled out as the culprit. Bioidentical hormones are an exact chemical match to the ones produced by your body. Your personalized prescription may contain: micronized progesterone, estrogen, estradiol, thyroid and testosterone hormones. If you go through a clinic that specializes in Hormone treatments you will be required to do a full blood workup and talk extensively with your practitioner before hormones are prescribed for you. Expect to pay between $750-$2500 for your first year, as tests are extensive and costly. But IMO a good investment for your long-term health portfolio.
Bioidentical Hormones are made in a lab based on compounds found in plants, soy & wild yam being the most popular. Bioidentical creams are also available in standard doses available at your local Health-Food Store or online including on Amazon. If you choose to go the self-diagnosis route keep a journal and talk to your doctor about what you are taking. If your doctor has indicated by standard tests which hormones you are low on you may decide to implement them into your daily routine. Bioidentical formulas in varying levels of potency are also available. The one listed below is the starting dose.
BHRT Naturals Bioidentical Progesterone Cream 2500mg – Support for women in Menopause & Perimenopause dealing with Mood Depression, Sleep Issues, Headache, Migraines, Libido & Energy. Also helps restore vaginal lubrication & elasticity, and mental fogginess. Available in the USA. Click here to order
DHEA for Low Libido
DHEA is a precursor to Testosterone, and may in fact be a safer and better long-term solution. DHEA does have side effects the main one being that it may lower your HDL – good cholesterol, but it does raise both your testosterone and estrogen levels when supplemented to women. DHEA is a synthetic hormone when taken as a supplement, and is listed as a controlled drug in Canada since 1992. It is readily available in the USA as both a supplement or prescription. DHEA is naturally made by the adrenal glands & liver and naturally declines as we age. It is also lower in people suffering from depression and after menopause. Prescription DHEA is used to treat thin vaginal tissue, aging skin, depression, infertility, muscle strength, heart disease, erectile dysfunction etc. is usually one of the components included in Bio-Identical Hormone Therapies.
DHEA – Energy Supplement for Men & Women, Mood Boost, Supports Hormone Balance. Available in the USA. Available as a tablet or cream. Click here to order
Natural Supplements for Low Libido
Natural Supplements are just as powerful as prescription drugs, in fact many prescriptions have a supplement base to them. Keep a diary, take daily, and talk to your doctor or naturopath about any supplements or medications you are taking. The following supplements have clinical evidence backing their effectiveness for Low Libido… Again it may take a combination to get optimal results, and you need to allow time for your body to balance. Its not like taking an aspirin for a headache.
Fenugreek (Tribulus Terrestris) -is a herb with components that include flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamins. Fenugreek is has been found to create hormonal balance improve libido and reduce irritability in women. Clinical evidence that suggests that Fenugreek increases testosterone blood levels and improved sexual function and desire, when combined with other supplements including Damiana, Tribulus Terrestris, Ashwagandha and Ginkgo Biloba. Click here to order
Fenugreek Clinical Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914334/
Damiana -is a shrub native to souther Texas that is used in herbal supplements and is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.It works by increasing circulation and sensitivity to sexual organs. Its pro-sexual effects are due to flavonoids found in the leaves. Damiana can be taken on its own or in combination with other herbs like Gingko Biloba and Fenugreek. Click here to order
Clinical studies showed that after 4 weeks 72% showed a significant increase in sexual desire and 68% more with overall sex life compared with the placebo group. Effect of a multi-ingredient based food supplement on sexual function in women with low sexual desire, Clinical Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6492381/
Tribulus Terrestris– is a herb, known to be an effective for increasing desire and arousal, while aiding in vaginal lubrication. A well lubricated vagina is a key component to better arousal and increased sensation including better orgasms. The more aroused the better! Tribulus also acts as a diuretic and increases kidney function and urine flow. Click here to order
Kava is a calming supplement. Kava works by easing anxiety and tension, helping to relax and be more perceptive to sexual stimulation. Kava is classified as an empathogen, which means it helps produce feelings of intimacy and connection. Women are much more likely to have a higher libido when they have an intimate bond with their partner. Click here to order
Kava for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (K-GAD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial – Finding: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4630875/
Maca Root is a stimulant. Classified as a super food that boosts physical stamina and provides hormonal balance as a clinically proven endocrine modulator. Happy hormones = happy libido. So if hormone balance is an issue Maca Root may be the supplement of choice. High in vitamins and micronutrients it also helps you metabolize your food and increases energy levels to support a healthy immune system. This herb is also beneficial for those experiencing a decrease in sex drive from taking antidepressants. Click here to order
Article written for Texas Children’s Hospital Pavilion for Women. https://women.texaschildrens.org/blog/2015/07/maca-root-viagra-menopausal-women
Gingko Biloba is best known for it’s anti-anxiety properties. Gingko also increases blood flow and helps the body to produce nitric oxide. It also helps the smooth muscle tissues in the body, including those found in the vagina, to relax. Gingko however is best known for easing anxiety and depression which can be beneficial which can be very beneficial for any sex life. Gingko is calming. Click here to order
Ginseng is anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory, it reduces the production of stress hormones and provides immune support. Ginseng is a stimulant so if energy and get-up-and-go are your personal requirement this would be a great contributor to your libido enhancing repertoire. Click here to order
The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700177/
Ashwagandha is a aphrodisiac and a product that ALL Perimenopausal & Menopausal women should be on. This herb is an adrenal tonic. Nourishing and supportive of hormone balance and health. This herb is recommended for those going through Menopause or Perimenopause and for those who want to stimulate their libido without stimulating their nervous system. Ashwagandha may increase testosterone in women and offset androgen deficiency syndrome. Ashwagandha is calming. Click here to order
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4609357/
Supplement Combinations for Low Libido
Maca Root 2000mg Fenugreek 3000mg Ashwagandha 5000mg Supplement with Tongkat Ali, Dong Quai, Black Cohosh Root, Ginkgo Biloba, L Arginine, L-Citrulline, Ginseng, Turmeric. Click here to order
Organic Maca Root Powder 750mg, Lions Mane Mushroom Powder 500mg, Reishi Mushroom 4:1 extract 300mg, Ashwagndha Extract 150mg, Lemon Balm 150mg, L-Tyrosine 150mg, Chaste Berry 75mg
Additional Combination Suggestions:
Libido Enhancement Products on Amazon
General Low Libido Aphrodisiac Formula: Damiana, Tribulus Terrestris, Ashwagandha and Ginkgo Biloba.
High Stress Version: Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba & Kava or Fenugreek
Energy Version: Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Maca Root & Fenugreek
Naturally Increase Testosterone and Help with ED using Fenugreek & Ashwagandha
Fenugreek & Ashwagandha help men too! Ashwagandha has been known to help with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, increase testosterone levels, improve sperm quality and produce higher volume. Take both Supplements daily and gauge the results over the next 2 months. Clinical data and additional information is available on the sites listed below:
Efficacy of Ashwagandha in the management of psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Clinical Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.gov/articles/PMC3326875/
Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) extract and mineral formulation. Clinical Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21312304/
https://www.mariongluckclinic.com/blog/how-to-increase-testosterone-naturally.html
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