How to Increase Libido

By Bonnie Jenkins, Advanced Natural Medicine

Learn how to increase libido today!

When I told you about the survey linking HRT to better sex last week, I never dreamed I was opening Pandora’s box. But, judging from the e-mails I’ve gotten from readers, menopause-related sexual problems are a top priority. The two main complaints – a lack of desire and vaginal dryness.

Here’s just one example. Bev writes: “Lately, sex is the last thing on my mind. I’m going through menopause and don’t feel the urge like I use to. The problem is that it’s really putting a strain on my marriage.”

Unfortunately, Bev isn’t alone. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that 43 percent of all postmenopausal women experience a decline in sexual desire and function. But, in this age of Viagra, women are virtually ignored – leaving many who suffer from sexual problems wondering, “when’s it our turn?” But here’s the good news, girls – we don’t have to take this lying down!

The 'Male' In Female

From the time we hit perimenopause, our sex hormone levels begin to drop. While this eventually means that we no longer have periods, it can also have a negative impact on our sex drive. In one article in the journal Maturitas, menopause experts observed that the loss of estrogen and specifically androgens like testosterone deprives the female libido of its major biological fuel. And without fuel, you can bet there won’t be any fire.

Unfortunately, mainstream medicine has focused mainly on the estrogen equation. And, as a result, doctors have convinced themselves that HRT is the way to boost a flagging libido. But HRT is NOT the answer.

Although estrogen does have some libido-enhancing effects, studies show that testosterone is actually much more effective. I know what you’re thinking – testosterone is a male hormone. But we need it too, although in much smaller amounts. Low testosterone levels are also linked to a decrease in genital sensation, lubrication and an inability to achieve orgasm.

But does boosting testosterone levels really work? In one clinical trial, 17 menopausal women were treated with estrogen-testosterone implants. After three months, the women were evaluated using an analogue scale to measure improvements in sexual desire. The results were astounding – in all of the women, libido scores increased from 13.5 to as much as 86.1!

The problem is that all of the studies that have been done so far have used a synthetic testosterone. And many, like the one above, also included artificial estrogens. Another problem is that supplemental testosterone requires a prescription.

But testosterone precursors may just be the key to boosting your body’s own natural testosterone levels.

One natural precursor is DHEA, known in scientific circles as dehydropiandrosteroe. After being secreted by the adrenal glands, DHEA is converted into testosterone, androstenedione and estrogen as the body needs it. But, by age 45, the amount of DHEA a woman’s body produces drops by 50 percent.

In one study conducted at the Boston University School of Medicine, researchers evaluated women who suffered from a lack of desire and an inability to become aroused and achieve orgasm due to low androgen levels. Among the women who were treated with DHEA, the research team noted a significant improvement in desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction and orgasm. Based on these observations, they concluded that DHEA is a safe and effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction.

Although some experts recommend doses up to 100 mg. a day, I’ve found that higher doses can cause increased facial hair and breast tenderness. And too much DHEA can also leave you with a case of the jitters. Better to start with a low dose of 10 or 15 mg. and increase the dose as needed.

DHEA can be very effective – and supplements are available in health food stores and by mail-order. But it’s probably a good idea to have your DHEA levels checked by your doctor before you begin taking it. At least one study suggests a possible link between high DHEA levels and the progression of breast cancer, so it’s wise to be monitored by a medical professional, particularly if you are a breast cancer survivor or are at an especially high risk for the disease.

Sexy Supplements

But hormones aren’t all that’s involved in maintaining a healthy sex life. Menopause also reduces nitric oxide activity. If you saw my e-bulletin on erectile dysfunction (“The Performance Factor 6/9), you might remember that nitric oxide triggers smooth muscle relaxation, which allows increased blood flow and swelling of genital tissue. Well, guess what? Nitric oxide does the same for us! According to new research by the University of Pennsylvania, nitric oxide enhances smooth muscle relaxation in the female genitalia, allowing the tiny vessels in the clitoris and vagina to swell with blood. Increasing blood flow not only increases arousal, it decreases dryness. And, like I told the guys, the best way to boost nitric oxide is with L-arginine.

In one recent study, 24 women participated in an experiment conducted by researchers at the University of Texas. The women were divided into three groups: the first group received L-arginine plus yohimbine (a prosexual herb often used by men with erectile dysfunction), the second group was given yohimbine alone, and the third group took a placebo. All of the women then watched an erotic film. During the screening, the research team measured the women’s sexual response. Within an hour after taking the arginine/yohimbine supplement, the women in the first group experienced a substantial increase in vaginal pulse amplitude in response to the film. The other two groups may as well have been watching a travelogue.

While the yohimbine didn’t seem to have much effect, other herbs can boost desire and satisfaction. Two herbs that have caused quite a commotion are muria puama and ginkgo biloba. In one month-long study of 202 French women, 65 percent of those taking a combination of the two herbs reported that they were having sex more often. But the quantity wasn’t nearly as impressive as the quality. According to the authors of the study, these women also experienced a greater desire for sex, more exciting sexual fantasies and the ability to have more intense orgasms more often!

Ginkgo, by itself, has been shown to increase libido and sexual function in both men and women. But, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco, the herb is even more effective in women. In fact, during the study, 84 percent of the women taking ginkgo found it improved desire, lubrication and orgasm. One of the reasons for these amazing results, say researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is that ginkgo has properties proven to increase blood flow and smooth muscle relaxation in the genitals.

What’s really interesting is that the amount of ginkgo used in this study was relatively low – 60 to 120 mg. a day. It just goes to show how potent this herb can be. On a personal note, I’ve been taking a daily dose of 240 mg. ginkgo for the past year and have noticed a big difference. But don’t expect an overnight miracle. Most supplements take between two and six weeks before you see any benefit.

One Last Thing ...

I have to admit that I was a bit bowled over by number of men who wrote in on behalf of their wives. One of the men who did, Steven, told of the radical – and, as it turned out – unnecessary hysterectomy his wife went through. Along with removing her uterus and ovaries, the surgery also removed any inkling of sexual desire. And, as Steven points out, they are both too young to give up this pleasurable aspect of their marriage.

Since the ovaries are responsible for producing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, when a woman undergoes a complete hysterectomy or when her ovaries stop functioning during menopause, there is a distinct drop in libido. Many experts recommend boosting testosterone – and DHEA may sufficiently increase levels of the hormone. But if it doesn’t, it may be worthwhile to ask your doctor to write a script for a vaginally applied testosterone cream.

Self-image can also be a problem after a hysterectomy (or after menopause for that matter). Some women feel like they are less than complete. And, as much as we complain about it while we’re in our reproductive years, the fact that we no longer have periods and can no longer bear children can leave us feeling less feminine and sexy.

But, men can play an active role in rekindling romance – and a woman’s self-esteem. Compliments, particularly about our appearance and sex appeal, can help rebuild a woman’s feelings of femininity. And don’t downplay romance and intimacy. Many women report that quiet dinners (complete with soft music and candles), sensual (not sexual) massages and cuddling foster feelings that can lead to sex. Just be aware that, for many women, arousal may take longer to achieve. So please, be patient.

This Just In ...

Last week I told you about two studies offering even more evidence of HRT’s negative impact on heart health. But wait – it gets worse. New research by scientists at Britain’s Cancer Research UK’s Epidemiology Unit in Oxford shows that combined hormone therapy doubles a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

In the study, more than one million women, age 50 to 64, were followed for up to four years. The researchers found that those taking combined HRT experienced four times as many breast cancers as those who took estrogen only. And the risk increased the longer the women took the drugs.

Now these results don’t surprise me. What is amazing is the media’s response to this iron-clad evidence. More than one news story led with the statement that this study just made it more difficult for women to decide whether or not they should take HRT. I’m not sure what planet these folks are on, but for the women I know, choice doesn’t figure into the equation anymore. ***

References:

Cohen AJ, et al. “Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.” Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. 1998; 4:139-13.

Laumann E, et al. “Sexual Dysfunction in the United States.” Journal of the American Medical Associaiton. 1999; 281:537-544.

Morris KT, et al. “High dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate predicts breast cancer progression during new aromatase inhibitor therapy and stimulates breast cancer cell growth in tissue culture: a renewed role for adrenalectomy.” Surgery. 2001; 130:947-953.

Munarriz R, et al. “Androgen replacement therapy with dehydroepiandrosterone form androgen insufficiency and female sexual dysfunction: androgen and questionnaire results.” Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. 2002; 28S:165-173.

“New findings raise HRT risks.” Nutraingredients.com. 8 Aug 2003.

Padero, MC, et al. “Androgen Supplementation in Older Women.” University of California-Los Angeles.

Waynberg J, et al. “Effects of Herbal vX on libido and sexual activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Advances in Therapy. 2000; 17:255-262.

Learn how to increase libido, sign up for ANM FREE.