If your libido seems to be waning and you're just not as interested in sex as you used to be, you may have wondered whether you should try to get help. Moreover, you may be concerned about from where that help will come.
Natural supplements may be worth considering, some health experts say. Herbal oils and supplements may actually help some women having trouble with sexual desire and vaginal dryness, says Hilda Hutcherson, MD, clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.
"Black cohosh and evening primrose oil may decrease vaginal dryness," she says. "Chasteberry and ginseng may increase desire." Chasteberry can decrease a brain chemical that can lower sexual desire, Hutcherson explains. It is thought to boost dopamine, the feel-good brain chemical.
Of the various types of ginseng, Siberian ginseng is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. It appears to give people energy and can boost mood. "And you need energy for sex, right?" Hutcherson says.
Zestra, which blends botanical oils and extracts and is meant to boost sexual desire in women, is another treatment some find helpful. In one study, it appeared to increase sexual arousal and sensation, and also helped lower sexual side effects brought on by antidepressants, explains Rachel Braun Scherl, president of Semprae Laboratories, which makes Zestra.
"So many women are on medications, and Zestra may be good for them because it's topically applied and not systemic," she says. "So it is a low risk product for women to try. Plenty of doctors and sexual health experts use it with their patients." In the study, Zestra appeared to be effective with women who had no sexual problems as well as women who are experiencing sexual problems.
If you're thinking of taking natural supplements, talk with your doctor or an experienced herbalist first, Hutcherson says. "Some natural supplements may have medicinal properties," she explains. But, she cautions, don't just start on a regimen without professional advice.
Natural remedies aren't the only possible solution. Therapy is another alternative, says Bat Sheva Marcus, Ph D., clinical director at the Medical Center for Female Sexuality in New York City and Purchase, NY.
"If it's a relationship issue, or if there is anxiety or fear about sex, therapy can work," Marcus says.
And, she adds, if a woman is experiencing mild sexual problems she may find it a little harder to get aroused. "I would say to try one of the topicals," Marcus says. "In mild cases, these products can be of limited assistance. There is a peppermint oil that's all tingly, and a variety of lubricants that can be helpful as well."
Finally, Hutcherson says, try the simplest remedy of all: more H2O. "Women need to drink water for vaginal lubrication and arousal," she explains.