Boost Your Sexual Desire: Strategies for Women to Enhance Their Lust Levels
Dr. Salena Zanotti, a leading expert in women's health, explains why low sex drive is a common issue among women and outlines the effective options available to increase libido.
Medications and Hormonal Treatments
Transdermal estradiol (estrogen) therapy has been found to be effective in improving sexual function, particularly lubrication and pain, in peri- and postmenopausal women. It is superior to oral estrogen as the latter increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), reducing free testosterone which can decrease libido.
Tibolone, a synthetic steroid with estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic properties, may be more effective than conventional menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in increasing libido. Local vaginal estrogen treatments can help by reducing vaginal dryness and associated discomfort, which may indirectly improve sexual desire and function.
Avoiding oral contraceptives or certain oral estrogens that increase SHBG might be considered if low libido is linked to reduced free testosterone. Some supplements such as DHEA, L-arginine, chasteberry, maca, ginseng, and red clover might help improve libido and vaginal health, especially during menopause, though evidence varies and professional guidance is recommended before use.
Psychological and Talk Therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve sexual functioning in women by addressing negative thoughts, anxiety, or relationship issues related to sex. Relationship counseling may be beneficial to address stress, tensions, or partner sexual dysfunction affecting libido. Psychological intervention is especially important when depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions contribute to low sexual desire.
Lifestyle Modifications
Addressing factors like stress reduction, fatigue, improving sleep quality, and managing chronic conditions (e.g., thyroid abnormalities, iron deficiency) is essential because these can suppress libido hormonally and psychologically. Regular physical exercise and stress management techniques support sexual health and overall well-being.
Summary
An integrated approach addresses the multifactorial causes of low libido in women, combining medications and talk therapy effectively. This approach optimizes hormonal balance with transdermal estradiol or tibolone rather than oral estrogens, uses local vaginal estrogen for dryness, considers psychotherapy including CBT and relationship counseling, addresses lifestyle and health factors contributing to fatigue and mental health, and consults healthcare providers about possible use of certain supplements under supervision.
Sex is a natural part of life, and sexual health matters as much as the rest of one's health. There are medications and other options available to increase low libido. Low libido can happen to anyone, but it can be particularly common in women. Low sex drive in women can be caused by physical changes, new medications, changes to health, age, issues in body response to sex and sexual arousal, emotional struggles, past negative sexual experiences, trauma, stress or anxiety, depression, distrust or other relationship problems, or for no obvious reason (hypoactive sexual desire disorder).
Wellbutrin®, an antidepressant, may increase libido as a side effect and can be prescribed off-label for low sex drive, regardless of whether the individual is living with depression. Different people have different preferences in their sex lives.
Dr. Zanotti stresses that it's important to share changes in libido, especially if they're causing distress, with a primary care physician or women's health specialist. Flibanserin (brand name Addyi®) is a prescription pill that can ramp up sex drive in females, taken nightly, but may cause drowsiness and should not be taken within two hours of drinking alcohol.
- Incorporating health-and-wellness practices, such as stress management, regular exercise, and addressing chronic conditions, can help improve sexual health and libido in women.
- Psychological interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and relationship counseling can be effective in addressing negative thoughts, anxiety, or relationship issues related to sex, which might contribute to low libido.
- Certain medications, such as transdermal estradiol and tibolone, may boost libido by optimizing hormonal balance, while specific supplements like DHEA, L-arginine, chasteberry, maca, ginseng, and red clover could potentially aid in improving libido and vaginal health during menopause.
