Many women experience periods of low sex drive, also known as low libido. Several things can decrease your sex drive, including relationship issues, parenting responsibilities, illness, exhaustion and fatigue. Although certain life events may temporarily reduce your sex drive, an ongoing decrease in your libido may require treatment. Your doctor may choose to treat you with a prescription-strength supplement or an over-the-counter ingredient to help revive your desire.
DHEA
Commonly referred to by its acronym, dehydroepiandrosterone may improve your level of desire. According the U.S. National Library of Medicine, DHEA serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones. Secreted by your adrenal gland, this substance exists naturally in your body, but begins to decrease after age 30. Conditions other than age, such as anorexia, diabetes and adrenal insufficiency may affect your body’s ability to produce DHEA. Although you may not require a prescription for this supplement, consult your doctor before taking it to boost your libido. This supplement’s ability to alter your body’s hormonal levels may increase your risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
Estrogen
Your doctor may decide to treat your low libido by supplementing your existing levels of estrogen. According to the Mayo Clinic, estrogen therapy can boost your mood and create a positive effect on your sexual responses. Your doctor will determine the best method of delivery, such as a pill, patch, gel or vaginal suppository ring. The suppository ring may increase the blood flow to your vagina, improving your level of desire.
Testosterone
Although you may associate this hormone with your husband’s sexual desire, testosterone also plays an important role in your sexual function. The natural, low levels of this hormone in your bloodstream may benefit from supplementation. The Mayo Clinic warns that the Food and Drug Administration does not approve testosterone therapy for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in women, and it may cause personality changes and excess body hair. If your doctor chooses this type of therapy, he may want to monitor you closely while supplementing your levels of testosterone.
Yohimbe Bark Extract
Yohimbe trees produce bark that contains a type of chemical that may boost your sexual desire. The standardized form of this substance, known as yohimbine hydrochloride, requires a prescription. Used as a supplement to reduce the incidence of male impotence, this substance may also increase female libido. The U.S. National Library advises that these limited studies may require more research to support this claim.
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