Lovin' Libido

Probiotics are low risk and may have other health benefits as well. There are many other supplements that claim to help your sex life.

6. Tribulus Terrestris (Puncture Vine)

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. 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.

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It can also potentially interact with many medications and cause stomach upset. 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.

Symptoms of Low Libido

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 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.

• Limited exposure to environmental toxins can protect hormonal health.
• Engaging in new and stimulating sexual activities boosts desire.
• Establishing a routine that prioritizes intimacy can help sustain libido.
• Receiving regular health checkups ensures hormonal and reproductive wellness.

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. This ensures that the supplement contains no contaminants and has an accurate ingredient label. Certain foods may help improve your libido by boosting testosterone, nitric oxide, or antioxidants.

5. Saffron

DHEA can interfere with many common medications, especially psychiatric medications. At high doses, it’s linked to an increased risk of breast 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.

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It’s often used for reducing stress, anxiety, and inflammation. It can be taken as a pill supplement or added to food and tea. 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.

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But keep in mind that it can interfere with other medications. And it can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, and headache. There hasn’t been a lot of research on ashwagandha and sexual problems in women. 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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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). 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.

3. Shatavari

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. 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. 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.

Circulatory System

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. 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 vardenafil premature ejaculation red clover for up to 3 years in research studies without any safety concerns.

Gut microbiome function

But you shouldn’t take it during pregnancy or while nursing. Yes — especially if you’re in your 40s or older. 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.

Clinical Applications

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. DHEA also seemed to be linked to more frequent sexual activity and orgasms. Alcohol is linked to low sex drive and problems with sexual functioning.

But moderate intake of red wine may be an exception. This is because it can boost nitric oxide levels. Yes, exercise may increase female libido and improve sexual function by: Yes, but it’s not the same as Viagra for men.

8. Other foods

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. People with weakened immune systems should talk with vardenafil for erectile dysfunction price a healthcare professional before using probiotics. Possibly, especially if low mood or antidepressant use is part of the picture. There are two medications used to treat low sex drive in women. These are sometimes called “female blue sex pills Viagra” medications.

• Aromatherapy with essential oils can promote relaxation and arousal.
• Herbal supplements like horny goat weed are traditionally used for libido.
• Regular sex and intimacy strengthen emotional bonds and desire.
• Avoiding chronic stress is crucial for maintaining healthy libido.

Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) is a shot that can be injected 45 minutes before having sex.

But these medications work differently than Viagra (sildenafil). And they aren’t recommended if your low libido is caused by medical conditions, relationship issues, or medications. That’s because after menopause women are more likely to experience vaginal dryness, pain with sex, lower sex drive, and decreased genital blood flow. But a satisfying sex life is still possible. It helps to use lubrication, focus more on foreplay, and communicate with your partner. Pelvic floor exercises and hormone therapy can also help. Female arousal can be triggered by a mix of emotional connection, mental state, and physical sensations. Emotional factors include feeling safe, trusting your partner, and feeling close or connected. Mental factors can include being relaxed, feeling playful, thinking about sexual fantasies, or reading erotic content. Physical sensations like kisses, hugs, massage, or clitoral stimulation can also spark arousal.

• Regular exercise can improve blood flow, enhancing sexual arousal.
• Adequate sleep supports hormone production linked to libido.
• Managing stress through mindfulness can positively impact desire.
• Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with increased libido.

Everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Many women will experience sexual problems at some point during their life. And there are many natural supplements that claim to help with everything from low libido and better orgasms to more pleasurable and frequent sex. But most products don’t have a lot of evidence to support their use. For some women, L-arginine, chasteberry, maca, probiotics, and DHEA may have some benefits. And, if you’re going through menopause, ginseng and red clover might be especially helpful.

• Open communication with your partner fosters intimacy and desire.
• Reducing alcohol intake can help maintain natural arousal.
• Prenatal vitamins may support hormonal balance affecting libido.
• Regular sexual activity can naturally increase libido over time.

If you’re facing challenges in your sex life, talk with your healthcare team. They can help guide you toward starting a supplement safely. Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Red wine and sexual function in men: An original point of view. Increasing women’s sexual desire: The comparative effectiveness of estrogens and androgens.