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Restoring Your Sex Drive with Natural Hormones, Supplements and Herbs.
September 13, 2000 -
The early proponents of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) created a myth promising that estrogen would keep women 'feminine' and sexually attractive 'forever.' Without the magic pill, they would turn into sexless hags and no longer be attractive to their husband. — Strong words from Dr. John R. Lee, one of the leading experts in the field of menopause and the interplay of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Dr. Lee explains in his book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause, that progesterone, not estrogen, is the hormone that restores a menopausal woman's sex drive.
As women approach menopause estrogen production falls to 40 to 60 percent while progesterone levels fall close to zero. Women still producing enough estrogen to menstruate may be producing no progesterone whatsoever. When these women start losing interest in sex and begin suffering from depression and dry wrinkled skin, they are considered to be premenopausal and are often put on estrogen replacement to "correct" these problems plus prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. According to Dr. Lee, the results are often disappointing. Women on ERT alone are often unhappy with the fat accumulating on their hips and abdomen, their swollen breasts and their loss of sex drive. The estrogen replacement does not restore their libido. The same women, when they begin using a natural progesterone cream, are often delighted to report that their sex drive has returned. Dr. Lee recommends a progesterone cream that supplies 20-30 mg of progesterone per day which simulates normal progesterone production.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph., and founder of Women's Health America, testosterone is directly related to libido and a sense of well-being and works with estrogen to enhance all of the feelings of well-being. Many practitioners will prescribe testosterone cream as a supplement to increase libido. Testosterone cream can also be applied to the vaginal area to enhance local sensitivity and increase vaginal moisture.
Studies have shown that using testosterone to heighten your sex drive is most effective when your levels are truly low. Side effects of excessive testosterone include lowered voice, increased body and facial hair, acne, irritability and increased heart rate. There are over-the counter saliva tests available to test your body's levels of several hormones including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.
DHEA is a precursor of both estrogen and testosterone. Dr. Christiane Northrup, in her book, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, suggests taking DHEA rather than testosterone by itself if your saliva test shows low levels of both hormones. The usual dose of DHEA is 10-25 mg a day which has shown to increase the testosterone levels by one and a half to two times.
DHEA is a hormone made mostly by the adrenal glands but is also made in the testicles, ovaries and brain. After its production, it is converted to testosterone and estrogen. Dr. Julian Whitaker, editor of the newsletter Health and Healing and director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, California, states that DHEA helps curb the damaging effects on your body and brain of the stress hormones called corticosteroids. These hormones can increase your heart rate, raise your blood pressure and tense your muscles. Studies have shown that DHEA improves cognition, memory and mood. It bolsters your immune system and is a powerful antioxidant. DHEA stimulates bone deposition and remodeling which helps prevent osteoporosis. It has been demonstrated to reduce vaginal atrophy and increase libido in women. In a double-blind placebo controlled study published in an Urology, 40 men with erectile dysfunction were divided into two groups and given either 50 mg. of DHEA or a placebo daily for 6 months. Those taking DHEA noticed moderate improvements in erections after 8 weeks and impressive improvements after 16 weeks.
The goal in supplementing with DHEA is to maintain the level of a young adult, no higher. Some women need only 5 mg per day to reach this level. Women may eventually need a dosage of up to 25 mg a day and men may need as much as 50 mg a day. If you have a yearly check-up and are taking DHEA, it is advisable to have your DHEA levels tested along with your other blood tests. If you don't have a yearly blood test, the optimal procedure would be to use a saliva test before you start supplementing and then do a second test after taking the hormone for three months to make sure that your have reached but not exceeded the targeted levels.
Side effects of overdosing on DHEA are similar to testosterone overdose: Unwanted hair growth, acne, over stimulation and insomnia, heart palpitations, headaches and mood changes.
While estriol (one of the weaker forms of estrogen) may not have a very strong direct influence on your libido, it may affect it indirectly. Some women experience vaginal dryness and atrophy as their hormonal production decreases. Sex may cause more discomfort than pleasure. Estriol vaginal cream or suppositories used 2-3 times a week works to increase the moisture and elasticity in vaginal tissues. It also effects the receptors of the urethra which reduces the incidence of incontinence and bladder problems. Estriol is available over the counter in Europe but is obtained by prescription in America. At the end of this article is a short list of pharmacies that carry various natural hormonal creams & gels. You will need to find a holistically minded physician who can give you guidance and will be able to prescribe these creams for you.
Hormones are very complex and powerful substances, each dependent upon the other in a very delicate balance. You should consider consulting a holistic physician or healthcare practitioner before attempting to supplement individual hormones on your own.
Nutrients to support your body's hormone production
Zinc — the old myths were actually right. Oysters really do help make you sexy in their own way. Oysters are high in zinc. The body needs an adequate supply of zinc to make testosterone. Other foods rich in zinc are liver, nuts, seeds, spinach and legumes. The target daily dose of zinc is around 30 mg.
Vitamin E — assists in circulation (very important for men) and is necessary for the proper function of the adrenal and pituitary glands (both critical to the sexual response). The natural form of vitamin E is absorbed more easily by the body and is retained longer than the synthetic version. Look for d-alpha rather than dl-alpha in front of the tocopherol or tocopheryl.
Vitamin A — is necessary for the production of testosterone and other sex hormones. Suggested dose is 10,000 iu daily (not recommended for pregnant women).
Lecithin — promotes the secretion of sex hormones. Lecithin is used in supplement form in Europe to treat sexual disorders. It comes in capsules, granules and powdered form. Suggested use is 1,000 mg a day.
Herbs — are there any true aphrodisiacs?
The answer is surprisingly yes. Many of the herbs used traditionally as aphrodisiacs in India, China and the rain forests of the Amazon are now being recognized as truly helpful in restoring libido.
Muira Pauma (Potency Wood) — is one of the best herbs for treating both erectile dysfunction and lack of libido in women. It has been used in South America as a powerful aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant. Muira Pauma appears to work on improving both the psychological and physical aspects of sexual function. It is also used by the natives of the rain forest to treat infertility and menstrual disorders. (3)
Tribulis Terrestis — has been used since ancient times in India as a treatment of sexual dysfunction by Ayurvedic physicians. This herb can elevate the blood levels of several hormones significantly including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH, a gonad-stimulating hormone), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. The benefit of tribulis on the endocrine system and hormone production is believed to be largely due to its action in the liver. It acts as a liver tonic, improving the emulsification of fats to essential fatty acids, which along with cholesterol, are used by the liver to manufacture hormones. Tribulis has been shown to increase sexual desire, arousal and performance in men and women.
Macuna Prurien — is a rare and powerful Ayurvedic herb that has unusually high levels of naturally occurring L-Dopa. In prescription form, L-Dopa is used world-wide for improving sexual dysfunction, loss of libido and increasing frequency and intensity of orgasms in both men and women. According to Dr. Ronald Klatz in his book on Human Growth Hormone, Grow Young with HGH, L-Dopa is one of the most effective Growth Hormone (GH) stimulators in both animals and humans. According to Dr. Klatz some of the benefits of GH are: increased muscle mass, decreased percentage of fat; enhanced sexual performance, regrowth of heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and other organs that shrink with age; superior immune function; increased exercise performance; lowered blood pressure; stronger bones; tighter and thicker skin with less wrinkles, hair regrowth, sharper vision; and improved mood and sleep.
Horny Goat Weed or Goat Sex Herb - may have a name that makes westerners snicker but it has been used successfully for centuries by Chinese herbalists to improve sexual functions. It has been shown to stimulate sexual desire in women. It is known to increase circulation even better than ginkgo biloba . Horny Goat Weed has been used for centuries to cleanse and support the kidneys.
Fenugreek Seeds — are an inexpensive and tasty way to restore your blood sugar balance, nourish your glands, improve your digestion and increase your libido Brew a spoonful of the seeds in a cup of boiling water for no longer than 15 minutes. With 27 percent protein and good quantities of EFAs, lecithin, saponins and phytosterols, fenugreek is an ally treasured by menopausal women. Caution: While enjoying your newly found libido keep in mind that fenugreek increases fertility! (5)
Ginkgo Biloba — While ginkgo is most commonly associated with helping improve memory, it is also used as an antidepressant. Researcher have now begun exploring Ginkgo as a treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Investigation began when an elderly man with sexual dysfunction caused by taking antidepressants decided to take ginkgo to improve his memory. His sexual dysfunction improved so dramatically that it caught the attention of researchers. Subsequent trials found benefits in men and even greater benefits in women.
Ginkgo is a vasodilator and blood thinner, consult your physician before taking ginkgo if you are on aspirin therapy or taking blood thinning prescription drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin. (6)
Oat Straw (Avena sativa) — may make you want to sow those wild oats all over again. Oatstraw is for women who wish they wouldn't "fly off the handle" so easily, who want to be sexy old ladies and who treasure their bones. Oatstraw stabilizes blood sugar levels, relieves depression and emotional uproar, improves circulation, reduces frequency and duration of headaches, promotes sleep, eases bladder spasms and vaginal dryness, nourishes the glandular and urinary system, restores sexual interest and enjoyment and brings a glossy glow to hair and skin. Dosage: 1 cup or more of dried leaf, stalk and grain infusion daily. Or try Avena flower essence.(5)
Kava — the good mood herb can safely take edge off stress. Kava does not affect motor reflexes so the next time you reach for a glass of wine, consider Kava as a natural way of "getting in the mood." Kava is also a mild aphrodisiac. The recommended dose is a 30-50% standardized extract to get 45-70 mg kavalactones or 90-100 mg dried kava extract taken three times daily
Valerian — is an effective sleep promoting herb. A good night's sleep will help prevent exhaustion that can decrease libido. The composition and purity of valerian preparations vary greatly. The recommended dosage for sleep disorders is 400-900 standardized extract one half to one hour before bedtime.
Yohimbe — the only FDA approved medicine for the treatment of impotence is yohimbine, a substance isolated from the bark of the yohimbe tree. Yohimbine's primary action is to increase blood flow to erectile tissue. Serious side effects of yohimbine are elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, headache and skin flushing. Yohimbe (the whole herb) has long been used in Africa as an aphrodisiac. It is said to increase energy and libido and a create a sense of well-being in both men and women. A small double-blind study of yohimbine combined with the amino acid arginine found an increase in measured physical arousal among 23 women with female arousal disorder. Only the combination of yohimbine & arginine produced results. Neither substance was effective when taken on its own (6) Caution: dosages as low as 20-30 mg may increase heart rate.
For your convenience, we have included a small selection of our most popular products for improving your sex drive. If you are looking for a specific product not listed on this page, just search our catalog of over 6,000 herbs and natural supplements.
References
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause by John R. Lee, M.D.
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, M.D.
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
Grow Young with HGH, by Dr. Ronald Klatz
Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way by Susun Weed
Sexual Dysfunction in Women. The Natural Pharmacy (www.tnp.com).