Other things seem much more appealing during those few minutes of downtime, like taking a nap, just getting the laundry done, or even watching a little reality TV. What can you do about it?
Many factors can affect sex drive, such as body image satisfaction, whether you are in a relationship, how you are getting along, dietary intake, depression, history of sexual abuse, or medication use. But if you are not having any of those problems, how come you still aren’t in the mood?
Hormones that affect sex drive in females
For beginners, it might help to know that about ½ of postmenopausal women and ¼ of women of reproductive age suffer from reduced libido. So if you believed you were alone in this, you are not. Besides, it’s normal for sex drive to wane if you’ve been in a relationship for a while or are only getting older [1] .
Even though we haven’t precisely identified which hormones dictate sex drive, we know that hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, are abundant when we are younger, and dwindle as we age. And from nature’s point of view, this is rational because we do not need to keep attempting to make babies once we hit a particular life phase.
To test these hormone levels as you grow, doctors perform lab tests to evaluate your sexual function’s health. Since we are aware our bodies are producing less testosterone and estrogen, a critical determinant of these hormones’ production is cortisol, the stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands that can also be checked, generally with a saliva test.
Cholesterol, the renowned lipid we’ve been trying to reduce for the last few decades, is also worth measuring because having some cholesterol actually serves a function. One of its tasks is to act as a precursor of a multitude of hormones.
Cholesterol can either follow one pathway to convert into cortisol or follow another path to form estrogen and testosterone. When stress is very high, or cholesterol is very low, we create less testosterone and estrogen, which might explain why you experience a boost in libido on vacation when stress is low.
[Also Read: Incredible Ways to Make Sex Last Longer]
Low libido (sex drive)
Most cultures use herbs with a reputation for improving sex drive. It is not clear whether these stimulants have a hormonal effect or stimulate your sexual urge. They likely act as general tonics to increase vitality and energy and help improve your sexual desire and support your steady emotional state.
Various factors influence your libido, including your relationship with your partner, medications, general wellbeing and health, body perception, and vaginal dryness, causing painful sex.
It is essential to address your nutritional, lifestyle, medical, and particularly relationship factors that can play a role in your decreased libido, and not rely solely on women’s libido supplements.
Some of the women’s libido supplements for treating low libido include Tribulus, Korean ginseng, and maca. Many formulations are marketed to women claiming to increase sex drive.
Korean ginseng can improve arousal and sexual function in menopausal women.
In minimal research of 45 postmenopausal women with low libido, Tribulus was shown to reduce pain and increase arousal, sexual desire, lubrication, and orgasm, compared to placebo.
Maca is reputed for improving sexual function and is one of the most popular herbs sought for this. However, there is minimal research to support these claims. Here are some female sex drive supplements.
[Also Read: 10 Foods That Ruin Your Sex Drive]
Supplements for Women’s Libido
1. Nature’s Way’ Red Clover Blossoms – 100 Vegan Capsules
This is a plant rich in isoflavones, a kind of plant estrogen (phytoestrogen). Research in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology International found that postmenopausal women who took 80 mg of red clover isoflavones over three months improved libido and sleep, mood, and energy [2].
It is one of the most elaborately researched herbs for menopausal health. Some studies suggest it may be more effective after menopause (postmenopausal) rather than around the time of menopause (perimenopausal), and if you experience 5 or more hot flushes each day.
2. Prince of Peace’ Korean Red Ginseng – 50 Capsules
Some small studies of this herb show it improves sexual desire in women at a dose of 3,000 mg a day. In the more minor of these studies, 2 of 28 women developed vaginal bleeding [3]. However, another study of 72 women reassuring found no change in estrogen levels at that same dose and did not report vaginal bleeding episodes.
It may be used to relieve stress, menopausal symptoms, physical exhaustion, fatigue, and loss of stamina. It is said to heighten your concentration and vitality and improve your sexual arousal and function.
3. Pure Encapsulations’ Tribulus Formula – 90 Capsules
Historically, this herb has been used for generations to improve physical performance and energize sexual function in men. Still, Tribulus can be useful also in enhancing sexual desire in postmenopausal women.
This plant originated in Ayurvedic medicine and studied in women of reproductive age with decreased sexual function and postmenopausal women.
A daily dose of 7.5mg extract in pre-menopausal women and 750mg/day (in tablet form) in menopausal women benefitted them regarding many sexual dysfunction aspects, including lubrication and desire. It increases testosterone levels in the postmenopausal women, which can explain it’s potency [4].
4. Wise Woman Herbals’ Maca Capsules – 90 Capsules
This plant grows in the Peruvian Central Andes and has been used in South America to enhance fertility. There is some evidence that a daily dose of 3 mg improves sexual desire and may be particularly helpful in those taking Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants [5].
The effect appears moderate, but there are no known harmful effects, and as a bonus, it can also enhance the quality of life and energy.
Bottom Line
Incorporating restorative practices like yoga and meditation into your daily regimen can go a long way in decreasing cortisol levels and can help increase your libido. Women’s sex drive supplements and herbs can help improve your desire naturally, but it is best to work with a medical practitioner to determine which is best for your needs.
