Best Foods and Supplements to Boost Your Libido

“Low libido can stem from any number of concerns, and there may be more than one issue at play,” Dr. Zanotti explains.

• Probiotics may improve gut health, indirectly supporting hormone balance.
• Meditation and relaxation exercises reduce anxiety-related libido issues.
• Herbal teas such as red clover can influence hormonal levels.
• Vitamins B6 and E support hormonal balance and sexual desire.

“The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that low sex drive isn’t a reflection on you or your relationship.” Depending on the reasons for your decreased sexual interest, there are medications and other options available that may help you get your groove back.

• Regular exercise can improve blood flow, enhancing sexual arousal.
• Adequate sleep supports hormone production linked to libido.
• Managing stress through mindfulness can positively impact desire.
• Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with increased libido.

“Low sexual desire is often multifactorial, and medications may not fix it all,” Dr.

The Takeaway

If so, your provider will recommend an appointment with our Midlife Women’s Health and Menopause program. Your provider asks about your symptoms and health history to determine your diagnosis. They also get a full medication list. They may order blood tests to check for thyroid function and low testosterone levels. We will tailor your treatment based on the cause of your low libido.

Customized Treatment Plan

Adopting healthy habits, such as a well-balanced diet and regular exercise Managing underlying health conditions with the help of your primary care provider or other specialist Using a lubricant to treat vaginal dryness Working with a sex therapist or couples counselor The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications to treat low libido in women before menopause: Bremelanotide—You give yourself a medication injection about an hour before sexual activity. Flibanserin—You take a pill daily to increase your sexual desire. We recommend you take the medicine for three months to decide if it’s right for you. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help treat menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness. You may take estrogen in a pill, patch, spray, or gel. Zanotti acknowledges.

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“It’s important to investigate the causes.

3. DHEA

Physical changes can do a number on your sexual interest. New medications and other changes to your health can impact your interest in getting frisky. Your age may be a consideration, too, as low sex drive is commonly associated with changes that happen in perimenopause and postmenopause. And for some people, issues in how your body responds to sex and sexual arousal can keep you from getting in the mood — like muscle tension, blood flow and lubrication. Additionally, emotional struggles can relegate sex to the back burner, especially if you’re living with concerns like: And in other cases, you can experience reduced sexual desire for no obvious reason — a condition sometimes called hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Medication, along with seeing a sexual therapist, can be very helpful for various sexual dysfunction issues.” Dr. Zanotti explains some options to increase female libido. This prescription pill has been available since 2015.

The Clinically Proven Treatment for Low Sexual Desire

We don’t require referrals, but some insurance plans do. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before making an appointment. Dry spells are common in many relationships, but if this is becoming a problem, you can get your groove back. Here are some tips to help keep that flame alive. Nearly every woman experiences pain during sex at least once.

The Benefits of Female Libido Pills

While the first time is usually painful, some women continue to experience a little bit of pain every now and then. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the different types of pain during intercourse and what they mean for you. Medications and therapy can help get your groove back Image content: This image is available to view online. People in bed sleeping at night, caught up in their sheets. Flibanserin (brand name Addyi®) is taken nightly and can ramp up sex drive, Dr. Zanotti explains. It may cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be taken within two hours of drinking alcohol. Don’t expect fireworks to happen immediately, though. The medication takes about two months to start working. But you may find it’s worth the wait. Vyleesi® is an on-demand prescription medication — as in, take it when the mood is right. (Or at least 45 minutes before you anticipate the mood being right.) Vyleesi is an injectable medication you use in your thigh or abdomen. Vaginal dryness can sometimes cause pain during intercourse, which can affect your sexual desire. If vaginal dryness is contributing to your low interest, you may find relief with vaginal estrogen or a vaginal DHEA suppository.

Hormone	Role in Libido	Normal Levels	Factors Affecting Levels	Common Disorders	Management Strategies
Estrogen	Enhances arousal, vaginal lubrication	15-350 pg/mL	Menopause, stress	Estrogen deficiency, menopause	Hormone therapy, supplements
Testosterone	Increases desire and arousal	6-86 ng/dL	Age, stress, health status	Androgen deficiency	Hormone replacement therapy
Progesterone	Balances estrogen effects	0.2-25 ng/mL	Pregnancy, cycle phase	Imbalance affecting libido	Medical evaluation
Cortisol	Stress hormone, impact on desire	6-23 μg/dL	Stress levels	Elevated levels reduce libido	Stress management
DHEA	Precursor to sex hormones	35-430 μg/dL	Age, health status	Deficiency reduces arousal	DHEA supplementation

That is, an insert that you place in your vagina daily. It’s a hormone treatment that’s been shown to be effective in managing vaginal dryness. That may help increase genital sensitivity in postmenopausal females especially. But some people find that it can increase libido as a happy side effect. It may be prescribed off-label for low sex drive, regardless of whether you’re living with depression. While medications may address some of the physical aspects of getting you “in the mood,” emotional support can help, too.

8. Other foods

But what if it’s not working for you anymore? What if what you’re looking for is a sex life that’s a little bit rock-and-roll, but you can’t seem to dial up the volume these days? A low libido can leave you feeling lonely, frustrated and unfulfilled in your relationships. Fortunately, there are ways to get your music bumping again. “It’s not at all uncommon for your sexual interest to change and get in the way of enjoying a healthy and fulfilling sex life,” says Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD.

4. Connection and Communication

“But you don’t have to live with low libido. There are options to increase sex drive that can be very effective.” But it can be particularly common in women, in part because of hormonal makeup, as well as societal expectations regarding sex and sex drive. Dr. Zanotti explains why females commonly experience low sex drive, and what options are available to increase your libido. There are a number of reasons your sex drive may shift into neutral. Especially if your low libido is connected to any social, emotional, interpersonal or mental health concerns.

Men’s and Women’s Sexual Wellness Protocols

You may also take it in a vaginal insert (suppository). We may also prescribe testosterone as off-label treatment. We will check your testosterone levels first to ensure you have low testosterone. We will prescribe you a daily testosterone cream to bring your blood levels back into the normal range. We also prescribe a microdose of testosterone cream for women who don't have low testosterone.

Does it work?

You will apply the cream to your clitoris and genitalia twice a week to help improve your arousal and ability to achieve an orgasm. Our women’s health providers and other primary care providers treat women of all ages who experience low libido. We stay current on the latest research to offer you advanced, evidence-based treatments. We’re committed to helping you achieve your best health, both now and in the years to come. Call 801-213-2995 to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist, women’s health provider, or other primary care provider. “For most people, sex and sexual arousal is two-pronged — you need your body to respond in certain ways and you also need to be mentally interested,” Dr.

• Ashwagandha, an adaptogen that reduces stress and increases libido levels.
• Maca root, known for enhancing sexual desire and energy in women.
• Tribulus terrestris, which may improve libido by balancing hormone levels.
• Ginseng, a traditional herb that boosts sexual function and stamina.

Zanotti explains. “If your mind is focused on other concerns, it’s easy for sexual desire to wane.” Talking with a mental health professional can help you better address any psychological barriers that are holding your libido down. If you notice a dip in your interest in sex, it can feel isolating. But Dr.

Low Libido Symptoms

We all have different ideas of what an active and fulfilling sex life looks like. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Think of your sex life like driving to your favorite tunes: Some people drive around with their music full blast, singing along at any hour of day or night to whatever comes on.

Is it safe?

Other people keep the volume a little lower. Some people really only enjoy a few select songs or artists. Or maybe they need some time to try out a few playlists until they find just the right one to get them in the dancing mood. Different people have different preferences — whether vardenafil best price we’re talking music or life between the sheets. And whether your sex life is thumping party jams or tasteful light jazz, there’s nothing wrong with it … if that’s what you choose. Zanotti emphasizes that you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Factor	Description	Impact on Libido	Tips for Improvement	Additional Notes
Regular Exercise	Aerobic and strength training	Increases blood flow, mood	Aim for 3-4 sessions weekly	Reduces stress and anxiety
Stress Management	Meditation, yoga, deep breathing	Enhances arousal, reduces cortisol	Practice daily or as needed	Improves overall well-being
Adequate Sleep	7-9 hours per night	Restores hormonal balance	Maintain sleep schedule	Avoid screens before bed
Communication with Partner	Open dialogue about desires	Builds intimacy, trust	Schedule regular talks	Enhances emotional connection
Limiting Alcohol	Moderate consumption	Prevents negative impact on desire	Limit to 1-2 drinks per occasion	Excess can decrease libido
Avoiding Smoking	Tobacco use cessation	Improves blood flow, health	Seek support if needed	Benefits overall health

“Primary care physicians and women’s health specialists talk with people all the time about issues of sexual dysfunction and sexual interest,” Dr.

Extract	Main Active Compound	Evidence Quality	Reported Effect	Typical Dosage	Safety Notes
Black Cohosh	Triterpene glycosides	Moderately strong	Relief of menopausal symptoms	40-80 mg daily	Potential liver concerns
Red Clover	Isoflavones	Moderate	Hormonal balance, libido support	80-160 mg daily	May affect hormone-sensitive conditions
Saw Palmetto	Fatty acids	Weak to moderate	Hormone regulation	160-320 mg daily	Generally safe, use with caution
Damiana	Flavonoids	Limited evidence	Aphrodisiac effects	100-200 mg daily	Caution for hormone-sensitive individuals
Muira Puama	Alkaloids	Anecdotal evidence	Libido enhancement	300-600 mg daily	Limited research available

Zanotti reassures. “Don’t be shy about sharing changes in your libido, especially if they’re causing you distress. And your sexual health matters as much as the rest of it.” Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Arousal without orgasm can be uncomfortable, but it’s no reason to pressure sexual interactions Some foods are thought to rev up your sex drive, despite lack of scientific evidence If anxiety is keeping you from having the sex life you want, communication, education and therapy can help Anorgasmia is a fairly common concern with a wide range of physical and psychological causes Your sexual history directly influences your physical, mental and emotional health in a multitude of ways ‘Safer sex’ means STI prevention, avoiding unintended pregnancies and psychologically safe practices for everyone It’s perfectly normal for gas pockets to ‘evacuate’ during the motions of sex Stay away from hand lotion and honey, but coconut oil can do the trick These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Tue May 26 2026 05:11:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)