Nutrients

Paying attention to a healthy diet is very important to hormone balance and sex drive. Some vitamins and phytochemicals seem to be especially helpful. Phytochemicals are health-giving substances found in foods. They are not vitamins or minerals. They are a large and diverse group of substances with a variety of duties in the body. Given below are some of the nutrients and phytochemicals that may be recommended to help a woman regain their libido. In addition, there is a special section at the end devoted specifically to vaginal dryness.

Vitamin A and Beta-carotene

Both vitamin A and beta-carotene strengthen mucous membranes throughout the body. This is helpful for the unpleasant  symptoms of vaginal dryness and fragility.

The B Vitamins

The B vitamins are a vital group of nutrients that are involved in the functioning of the nervous system and in maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and hair. They also support adrenal gland function and are involved in energy production. The B vitamins should always be taken as a group, in a balanced B complex supplement.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and Choline

These three simple and inexpensive nutrients that provide help for the common symptoms of anxiety, poor sleep, and loss of libido.

Vitamin B6

This vitamin is required for the conversion of amino acids into neurotransmitters (brain chemicals). It is essential for the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin exerts an antidepressant effect, and normal amounts are required for a healthy libido. The recommended daily dose of vitamin B6 is 50 to 100 milligrams. Do not take more than this, or transient nerve damage can occur. Good food sources of vitamin B6 are meats, whole grains, and brewer's yeast.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is needed for the manufacture of collagen, which acts like a flexible or elastic protein glue in connective tissue and bone. Ensuring plentiful vitamin C helps to maintain healthy collagen, thereby keeping the skin and mucous membranes thicker and stronger and the skeleton more flexible. If your ligaments and bones are more flexible, they are less likely to be torn (sprained) or broken (fractured). Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenger that helps to reduce degenerative diseases and inflammation, and to slow down the aging process. Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in the brain and the adrenal glands, and it is required for these organs to function under stress.

Good food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, capsicum, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, berries (blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries), bananas, alfalfa, guava, kidney, oysters, potatoes, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, spinach, watermelon, green leafy vegetables, green and red peppers, sprouted grains, and rose hips.

Vitamin E

The antioxidant vitamin E has a protective, or sparing, effect on estrogen, so that your estrogen (whether your own or from hormone replacement therapy) lasts longer. Together with vitamin A, vitamin E strengthens the skin and mucous membranes. Many women find that these vitamins reduce vaginal dryness and shrinkage. Vitamin E also reduces free radical damage to your cells' membranes and is a powerful anti-aging nutrient. Instead of using vitamin E alone, use a combination of Vitamin E, C and Calcium. Food sources of vitamin E include broccoli, nuts and tomatoes.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds found in certain foods, such as soybeans and flaxseed. These phytoestrogens act like mild estrogens within the body, helping to relieve many of the symptoms of menopause.

In a 1990 study, 25 postmenopausal women ranging in age from 51 to 70 had soy flour, red clover sprouts and linseed added to their diets for two weeks each. At the end of the six- week period, laboratory examination of vaginal cells from the women showed an increase in estrogenic activity. The benefits quickly disappeared once the women went back to eating their regular diets.

Phytoestrogens are also highly concentrated in cashews, peanuts, oats, corn, wheat, apples, and almonds. Phytoestrogens appear to block the effects of excess estrogen stimulation of the breasts and uterus; many researchers believe that they have a protective action. Another reason to eat soy: eating soy foods for protein rather than animal foods can help bone health. (An excess of animal protein can hinder calcium absorption.)

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAS) are vital for the production and release of many hormones, including sex hormones and adrenal hormones. They are also an integral part of cell membranes, and they give these membranes the proper flexibility and suppleness. They stop your cells from drying out and give them normal cohesiveness.

There are two basic types of EFAS, known as omega-3 and omega-6.

Omega-6 EFAs are linoleic and gamma linolenic acids. Omega-3 EFAs are alpha linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids.

These nutrients can help overcome dry and/or itchy skin, dry hair, hair loss, dry eyes, and dry mouth, and can reduce vaginal dryness. They also help to reduce infections of the skin and mucous membranes such as cystitis, vaginitis, and mouth ulcers. Many women find that EFAs have the added benefit of enhancing and balancing the production of sex hormones and prostaglandins.

Essential fatty acids must be obtained from foods like fish, fish oils, unprocessed fresh vegetables, seeds, nuts, and botanical oils.

To boost your intake of EFA, we recommend EPA-DHA Complex.

Botanicals

Many herbs and herbal extracts have been used to help improve sex drive. We will discuss some of the more common ones here, and briefly mention a few more that you may come into contact with.

Mucuna Pruriens

An extract from the mucuna bean has been shown to increase libido and restore sex drive in women (and men). This power-packed legume has roots that can be traced as far back as medieval times, and was first described in the English literature in 1804. It is known as velvet bean or cowitch, the latter derived from the Hindu “kiwach” which translates to “bad rubbing”, due to the thick hairs that cover the leathery pods of the plant.

Mucuna has been found to contain L-dopa, one of the few natural sources of the precursor to dopamine, your brain’s neurotransmitter responsible for energy, alertness and libido.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a plant native to eastern North America. The pharmacological and clinical research of the past several decades has made it the most widely used natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy in the western world. Black Cohosh has been found to be effective in eliminating many of the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, depression and anxiety, as well as PMS and dysmenorrhea.

The primary, and presumably, active components found in the roots of black Cohosh are a group of trierpene glycosides. Whether these compounds work like classic phytoestrogens is still under some dispute, but what we do know is that clinical trials of menopausal symptoms consistently show that extracts of black Cohosh are able to reduce or eliminate many of the disturbing vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes, nigh sweats, etc.).

Several studies have been conducted comparing the effectiveness of black cohosh, Premarin® (conjugated estrogens) and diazepam in the reduction of menstrual complaints. Each was able to significantly lower menopausal as well as mood related symptoms, while only black cohosh and estrogens where ale to increase vaginal cell growth. The authors concluded that black cohosh demonstrated “optimal effectiveness in comparison to hormones and psychopharmaceuticals, demonstrates a remarkable spectrum of action on the menopausal syndrome, has no toxic side effects, is suitable for long-term therapy, and is the medication of choice in cases of mild-to-moderate menopausal ailments.”

The safety of black cohosh preparations have been confirmed in numerous studies and do not appear to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells, as shown in animal studies. Care must be taken not to confuse this herb with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and herb that if used improperly, has potential toxic effects for women and their unborn children.

Dong Quai

The root of dong quai (Angelica sinensis), also known as Chinese angelica, is a widely used remedy in Asia for a variety of female conditions, and is now becoming more popular in the United States. The roots contain a number of volatile oils and coumarins, many of which have been shown to have biological activity.

Traditionally, dong quai is thought to have a balancing or tonic effect on the female hormonal system as well as a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Dong quai is most often used in Asian remedies in combination with other herbs.

Licorice Root

The major active component in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is glycyrrhizin, with several minor components. Thee compounds have estrogenic and anti-estrogenic capabilities. Glycyrrhizin binds both estrogen and androgen receptors weakly, although it has no affinity for the progesterone receptor. Licorice root also supports the adrenal gland and is one of the likely modes that licorice helps with libido. High levels of licorice root extract should be cautioned in individuals with high blood pressure.

Other Botanicals

Damiana Leaf - known as Turneria aphrodisiaca, damiana leaf has been shown to increase sensitivity in the clitoris, as well as stimulate sexual desire and pleasure. It also strengthens the hormone system.

Muira Puama has long been used in the Amazon by Shaman as a powerful aphrodisiac tonic and sexual stimulant.

Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful antioxidant that enhances circulation and increases the supply of oxygen to the brain and sexual organs.

Vaginal Dryness

Hydration is an easy remedy that’s often overlooked. The best way to moisten any of the mucus membranes in your body is from within, so drinking plenty of water daily needs to be a long-term consistent habit.

Adequate essential fatty acid intake (see above) is also essential to maintain vaginal elasticity and lubrication.

Vitamin E vaginal suppositories used twice weekly can help enormously. There are a number of water-based lubricants to reduce friction during intercourse that are highly effective as well.

If these measures do not produce the desired results, try a natural progesterone cream like Femarone 17. Apply vaginally 1-2 times daily (but not just before intercourse – use a water-based lubricant instead).