One trial of ginkgo for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction among 37 adults found no significant difference between treatments at weeks 2, 4, and 8 of the study. Two recent studies of Korean red ginseng showed benefit in sexual functioning for menopausal (16) but not premenopausal women (17). In a randomized, controlled trial (RCT), 77 healthy women aged 21 and older who received this supplement demonstrated statistically greater improvements in sexual satisfaction, as compared with placebo (p9). A natural product that is well tolerated and efficacious would convey an advantage over the pharmacologic agents currently used by practitioners attempting to treat sexual dysfunction among women. Placebo response rates of 25% to 50% have been reported in clinical trials with sexual-enhancing agents that were ultimately determined to be effective. Trifolium pratense (red clover) is a plant rich in phytoestrogens and has both estrogenic effects as well as an affinity for the opiate receptors. It has been used since ancient times, but there are few well-designed trials supporting its efficacy for women. To truly weigh the risks and benefits of natural and complementary agents, we need more well-designed, placebo-controlled trials. Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) is a perennial herb from North America that has been used widely in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. As of now, data are too limited to recommend this compound’s use for sexual dysfunction. Given the dearth of systematic data to support the use of maca as a sexual enhancer, it is difficult to offer any specific clinical management recommendations at this time. In the United States and elsewhere, maca is sold in drug stores and health food stores in capsule or powder form. Although there are no clinical studies on the use of this plant specifically for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, it has been shown to have a beneficial effect on vaginal health among postmenopausal women (31). Most published human studies have examined the effect of maca on sexual functioning and hormone levels among healthy men. An early study compared the effects of l-arginine combined with yohimbine against the effects of yohimbine alone and placebo on sexual arousal among postmenopausal women with female sexual arousal disorder. Although yoga, an ancient art targeting aspects of both mindfulness and overall physical health, seems to be a logical treatment for sexual dysfunction, there have been relatively few empiric studies documenting its effectiveness among women (41). What are the risks of testosterone therapy for normal aging? Despite the high prevalence of female sexual dysfunction, there are no FDA-approved agents to treat this condition among postmenopausal woman, and there is only limited choice for others. Another study of premenopausal women with diminished libido found improvement in sexual functioning (40). For example, one study of women with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction reported a significant improvement in libido and lubrication with acupuncture (39). Some studies suggest improvement in vaginal dryness and other domains of sexual functioning among menopausal women (33, 36). This is because the increased intake of dietary fat boosts testosterone levels, and about 5-15% of that testosterone eventually converts into DHT by the actions of the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes. I’m not going to dig deeper into the subject of possible DHT side-effects in this post since I already wrote a larger post about ways to increase DHT naturally. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and hormonal harmony. Consider incorporating chasteberry supplements after consulting with your healthcare provider for the right dose and duration. Vitamin B6 Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men. The male hormone testosterone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of typical masculine physical characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength, and growth of facial and body hair. Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren't clear. Many herbal remedies and dietary supplements can cause side effects. “Your doctor can discuss any sexual concern you may have and determine if there is an underlying cause for your symptoms that needs to be treated.” Always talk to your doctor about any sexual health problems you may be experiencing. Doctors may recommend supplements in specific situations where patients are not getting enough nutrients from their diet or have a certain health condition. “Don’t be afraid to bring up a sexual health concern,” says Dr. Simone. “Most supplements for sexual function have not been studied scientifically,” says Luigi Simone, MD, a primary care physician at Scripps Clinic in Encinitas. Does a naturally declining testosterone level cause the signs and symptoms of aging? Natural remedies may be especially attractive to a population whose sexual dysfunction is a side effect of a required pharmaceutical agent (e.g., antidepressant treatments). It is not difficult to understand why many women turn to natural or complementary remedies to relieve their symptoms. Worldwide, natural medications such as Angelica sinensis (dong quai) from China, Ferula hermonis (zallouh) in the Middle East, and Humulus lupulus (hops) in Germany are used to treat sexual functioning, with scant data to support their efficacy (37). “Your doctor can discuss any sexual concern you may have and determine if there is an underlying cause for your symptoms that needs to be treated.”There currently are no approved treatments for postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, a cohort that is especially vulnerable because of declining estrogen levels.Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles.Sexual enhancement supplements are a subset of dietary supplements, specifically marketed to address issues related to sexual health and performance.To date, however, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of ginkgo for sexual dysfunction have not been particularly encouraging.Also, some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease.Doctors may recommend supplements in specific situations where patients are not getting enough nutrients from their diet or have a certain health condition. That's why it's important to talk with your healthcare professional before you try a new supplement. They also can affect other medicines and health conditions. ED is common, and treatments such as prescription medicines are available. Previous PostNurturing Gut Health: Understanding Microbiome Changes during Perimenopause These exercises not only improve flexibility and balance but also contribute to stress reduction, supporting hormonal equilibrium. Social support can act as a buffer against stress, positively influencing hormonal balance. Finding moments of joy and relaxation is crucial for hormonal well-being. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially the rancid ones from processed vegetable oils) lower testosterone levels, and therefore also DHT levels.That's extra important if you're taking medicines or you have a long-term health condition such as heart disease or diabetes.Navigating perimenopause can be a challenging journey for many women, as hormonal fluctuations bring about a myriad of symptoms.One trial of ginkgo for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction among 37 adults found no significant difference between treatments at weeks 2, 4, and 8 of the study.Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) is a perennial herb from North America that has been used widely in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Erectile dysfunction supplements and other natural remedies have long been used in various cultures. But maybe you've seen advertisements for herbs or supplements that claim to boost sexual performance. So, to keep your DHT levels high and the receptor sites active, maybe cut down on the phytoestrogen consumption. Another study from 2004 shows that equol is a strong anti-androgen that binds and sequesters DHT from its receptor, rendering the androgen inactive. The phytoestrogenic isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and glyciteinin) in soy are likely the worst offenders when it comes to DHT since this study shows that men who consume a lot of these soy isoflavones (and also green tea!), produce high amounts of equol in their gut. Recently, Lady Prelox, a commercially marketed product containing 200 mg of l-arginine, was found to improve scores on the FSFI, as compared with placebo, among both pre- and postmenopausal women (13, 14). The combined treatment demonstrated substantially increased vaginal response to the erotic stimuli compared with placebo, but subjective reports of sexual arousal did not differ among the three groups (12). Premenopausal women receiving the supplement demonstrated statistically significant improvement in level of sexual desire (72%), satisfaction with overall sex life (68%), frequency of sexual desire (60%), and frequency of intercourse (56%) compared with the women receiving placebo (p11). In another follow-up RCT of the same supplement, 108 women, ages 22 to 73 years, with loss of libido (59 premenopausal, 20 perimenopausal, and 29 postmenopausal) received either the supplement or placebo for four weeks. L-arginine is often found in combination with a variety of other natural remedies used to enhance sexual functioning; for example, ArginMax is a supplement containing a blend of l-arginine, ginseng, ginkgo, damiana, multivitamins, and minerals. There are few well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of natural remedies for sexual dysfunction among women. A very recent review of published studies on DHEAS found that, overall, it conveyed benefit to peri- and postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction throughout most of the sexual response cycle (28) Despite its popularity and supportive anecdotal evidence, very little systematic human research has been carried out on maca as a potential treatment for female sexual dysfunction. Vitamin C aids in the natural increase of progesterone by supporting the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in hormone synthesis, including the production of progesterone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the symptoms of declining progesterone and delve into practical strategies, including diet and lifestyle changes, to increase progesterone levels naturally in perimenopause. They are not drugs and can be purchased without prescription at grocery stores, drug stores, natural food stores and other retail outlets.Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry fruit) is a dietary supplement with potential effects on opiate systems as well as on a variety of female reproductive hormones.Many herbal remedies and dietary supplements can cause side effects.A natural product that is well tolerated and efficacious would convey an advantage over the pharmacologic agents currently used by practitioners attempting to treat sexual dysfunction among women.Acupuncture in recent studies has shown benefit for traditionally difficult-to-treat aspects of sexual dysfunction.The study also found that long-term administration of gingko alone did not significantly improve sexual functioning for this group of women with sexual arousal disorder (19).Learn how to optimize your sleep environment and support progesterone production for restful nights and MAKE.THIS.A.PRIORITY. Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age Since the FDA does not approve supplements for treating medical conditions, companies cannot market them for that purpose.For older men, it's important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism).In our opinion, maca is a promising agent for postmenopausal women who have a specific interest in using natural remedies to treat sexual dysfunction.Another placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that short-term gingko increased short-term physiologic markers of arousal but not subjective improvement in sexual arousal.Although there are no clinical studies on the use of this plant specifically for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, it has been shown to have a beneficial effect on vaginal health among postmenopausal women (31).Just because a product claims to be natural doesn't mean it's safe. Other uses for maca have included the alleviation of menstrual irregularities and female hormonal imbalances; it has also been proposed to be effective at ameliorating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes (24, 25). A triple-blind (investigator, patient, and statistician) trial of Gingko biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction reported some “spectacular individual responses” in both treatment and placebo control groups, but overall there were no statistically significant differences (21). The study also found that long-term administration of gingko alone did not significantly improve sexual functioning for this group of women with sexual arousal disorder (19). “Most supplements for sexual function have not been studied scientifically,” says Luigi Simone, MD, a primary care physician at Scripps Clinic in Encinitas.Always talk to your doctor about any sexual health problems you may be experiencing.Insufficient progesterone can influence oestrogen levels, subsequently impacting thyroid function.Despite the risks of over-the-counter polypharmacy, many patients have benefited from taking a natural medication in conjunction with a registered medication or other natural remedies.There remain concerns, however, about the safety of l-arginine, with arguments against its use centering on the increased production of nitric oxide, which may have potentially negative effects, including diarrhea, elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, flushing, and hypotension,Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren't clear.Produced primarily in the ovaries, this hormone is not exclusive to pregnancy; its influence extends throughout the menstrual cycle. Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. Find out what's known — and not known — about testosterone therapy for normal aging. These fats are building blocks for hormones, including progesterone. These vitamins are essential for overall hormonal balance and can support progesterone synthesis. Vitamin C supports the adrenal glands, which play a role in hormone production. Inadequate progesterone levels may hinder your body’s ability to utilise stored fat for energy, prompting the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Insufficient progesterone can influence oestrogen levels, subsequently impacting thyroid function. At least that is, if you want to maintain high testosterone and DHT levels. Boosting DHT levels with dietary fat is very similar to that of using dietary fat for testosterone optimization. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially the rancid ones from processed vegetable oils) lower testosterone levels, and therefore also DHT levels. Foods with B Vitamins As of now, data are too limited to recommend this compound’s use for sexual dysfunction.Improving your sexual health doesn’t always require medication or supplements.Empowering yourself with knowledge about the symptoms of declining progesterone and adopting a holistic approach to support hormonal balance can significantly ease the perimenopausal journey.Inadequate progesterone levels may hinder your body’s ability to utilise stored fat for energy, prompting the release of glucose into the bloodstream.One key hormone that plays a crucial role during this phase is progesterone.If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.In the DSM-5, hypoactive sexual desire disorder has been combined with female sexual arousal disorder to create female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) (4).Most commercially available preparations of maca contain about 500 mg of ground tuber in each capsule. In at least one study of women between the ages of 22 and 55, yoga seemed to be an effective method of improving all domains of sexual function (44). Recently, however, results from several RCTs of women with comorbid medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome (42) and multiple sclerosis (43), have supported its use in improving sexual functioning. Acupuncture in recent studies has shown benefit for traditionally difficult-to-treat aspects of sexual dysfunction. It has been used for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and has been demonstrated in at least one study to improve vaginal tone and thinning as well as lubrication, resulting in more comfortable intercourse among perimenopausal and menopausal women (38). Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry fruit) is a dietary supplement with potential effects on opiate systems as well as on a variety of female reproductive hormones. Today, maca is growing in popularity, with marketing claims of energizing effects, fertility enhancement, and aphrodisiac qualities. The historic uses of maca include nutritional supplementation for life in a harsh environment and enhancement of fertility and sexual potency. The full potential of ginkgo in the management of sexual dysfunction requires further investigation. Can lifestyle changes boost sexual health? A recent survey assessed the effects of sexual dysfunction on quality of life and found that 70% of U.S. women believe that dissatisfaction with their level of sexual desire has interpersonal consequences. The authors review popular alternative treatments for sexual dysfunction, emphasizing randomized, placebo-controlled trials when possible. There’s a lot of evidence showing that diets higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein are great for testosterone production (study, study, study)… B) Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) on the other hand seem to increase testosterone and DHT levels (study, study, study, study). Understanding the Role of Progesterone & its Decline in Perimenopause Several treatments currently are under investigation for the management of FSIAD, including testosterone, buspirone, bupropion, bremelanotide, and flibanserin. In the DSM-5, hypoactive sexual desire disorder has been combined with female sexual arousal disorder to create female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) (4). Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy. Although some men believe they feel younger and more vigorous if they take testosterone medications, there's little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. Some of these signs and symptoms can be caused by other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes and depression. Learn how to optimize your sleep environment and support progesterone production for restful nights and MAKE.THIS.A.PRIORITY. Declining progesterone levels can contribute to mood swings and increased anxiety. Moreover, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle, promotes a sense of calm by acting on the central nervous system, and supports healthy sleep patterns. During the first half of the cycle, progesterone levels remain relatively low, but they surge after ovulation. By law, dietary supplements must contain at least one vitamin, mineral, amino acid, enzyme, or other substance used by the body. They are not drugs and can be purchased without prescription at grocery stores, drug stores, natural food stores and other retail outlets. It’s important to know what supplements are and how they work. Ingredients in erectile dysfunction drugs, such as sildenafil in Viagra, can be dangerous when mixed with medications for treatment of other conditions. Talk to your doctor before trying a sexual enhancement supplement. Talk with your healthcare professional before you try a supplement for erectile dysfunction. They also can have dangerous effects when taken with some medicines. Just because a product claims to be natural doesn't mean it's safe. Don't use supplements for ED that lack proven benefits and pose a potential risk for harm. Your healthcare professional can find out if it's safe for you and can recommend the right amount to take. It is unclear which of the nutrients in maca are responsible for its reputed sex-enhancing properties. Although scientists have made great strides in delineating the constituents of maca, debate still exists as to the active ingredients. Recommended dosages range from 3 to 6 g per day, but there is no consensus on the optimal therapeutic dose of maca. Most commercially available preparations of maca contain about 500 mg of ground tuber in each capsule. Maca’s fertility-enhancing properties were first reported in the literature in 1961, when it was shown that maca administration increased the fertility of rats (23). A double-blind trial of ginkgo for antidepressant-induced sexual function among both men and women was also negative (20). Another placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that short-term gingko increased short-term physiologic markers of arousal but not subjective improvement in sexual arousal. Using the available information on natural and registered medications, a clinician can develop reasonable strategies for managing patients who desire complementary medicines either to alleviate a particular disorder or to counteract the adverse effects of another medication. An increasing number of individuals are choosing to self-medicate with natural over-the-counter treatments, often without informing their physician; this practice can result in adverse drug-drug interactions (6–8). Progesterone-Boosting Foods for Perimenopausal Women Improving your sexual health doesn’t always require medication or supplements. Sexual enhancement supplements are a subset of dietary supplements, specifically marketed to address issues related to sexual health and performance. Male sexual enhancement supplements may not be safe for everyone as they can cause side effects, allergic reactions and interactions with other medications. The market for men’s sexual health supplements is growing as many men turn to them to tackle sexual issues. Unfortunately, few effective traditional agents are available to treat this condition, especially in the postmenopausal cohort. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. It is recommended that maca be avoided among women with a history of breast cancer or other hormonal cancers, because certain studies in animals have found that maca can effect female reproductive hormones. In our opinion, maca is a promising agent for postmenopausal women who have a specific interest in using natural remedies to treat sexual dysfunction. Ginseng was evaluated in a recent meta-analysis of two randomized, placebo-controlled trials of pre- and postmenopausal women and showed favorable effects on sexual functioning score (15). There currently are no approved treatments for postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, a cohort that is especially vulnerable because of declining estrogen levels. With the high placebo response rate in treatment of sexual dysfunction, the need for randomized, placebo-controlled studies is of paramount importance. There are few well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of natural remedies for sexual dysfunction among women.By law, dietary supplements must contain at least one vitamin, mineral, amino acid, enzyme, or other substance used by the body.Sexual dysfunction may affect any part of the sexual response cycle, including libido and desire, arousal, and orgasm.Although scientists have made great strides in delineating the constituents of maca, debate still exists as to the active ingredients.Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and hormonal harmony.There’s a lot of evidence showing that diets higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein are great for testosterone production (study, study, study)…It's also possible that these conditions cause low testosterone levels, so treatment might result in increase of testosterone levels.Several treatments currently are under investigation for the management of FSIAD, including testosterone, buspirone, bupropion, bremelanotide, and flibanserin. Dietary fat is one of the most important factors in healthy testosterone production, and not that surprising, also in dihydrotestosterone production. Even though it’s the male hormone of the male hormones and a lot more androgenic than testosterone, some are still scared that high levels of it could lead to hair-loss and prostate enlargement. Empowering yourself with knowledge about the symptoms of declining progesterone and adopting a holistic approach to support hormonal balance can significantly ease the perimenopausal journey. One key hormone that plays a crucial role during this phase is progesterone. “If you have sexual side effects from medication you can ask your doctor if you can change your medication. Treating underlying health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes can help improve sexual function. But there are a lot of misconceptions about what the treatment can and can't do for you. As you age, testosterone therapy might sound promising. That's extra important if you're taking medicines or you have a long-term health condition such as heart disease or diabetes. Both treatment groups, however, showed improvement in some areas of sexual function, which suggests a placebo effect (18). To date, however, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of ginkgo for sexual dysfunction have not been particularly encouraging. However, menopausal women experienced a significant improvement in sexual arousal in the other placebo-controlled trial (16). There remain concerns, however, about the safety of l-arginine, with arguments against its use centering on the increased production of nitric oxide, which may have potentially negative effects, including diarrhea, elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, flushing, and hypotension, L-arginine in these studies seemed safe by itself and in combination with various other sexual-enhancing agents, with the evidence thus far supporting synergistic effects. Deep breathing exercises can also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, mitigating the effects of chronic stress. Even short daily sessions can have a profound impact on hormonal balance. These vegetables support liver function, helping to eliminate excess oestrogen and maintain hormonal equilibrium. Oestrogen dominance is characterised by an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone. Unbalanced hormones can cause irregular periods, making it crucial to address the root cause for a smoother transition. The origins of maca (also called Peruvian ginseng) are not fully understood, but native Peruvians have been known to use maca as a food and for medicinal purposes since before the time of the Incas. Ginkgo, which may improve blood flow as well as the nitric oxide system, also has long been thought to contain sexual-enhancing properties, and it has been used by itself and in combination with other agents for this indication. None of the products has data to demonstrate safety for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and the products therefore should be avoided in these populations. Clinicians should routinely ask their patients about any natural medication use and should discuss the risks and benefits of polypharmacy with these agents. Despite the risks of over-the-counter polypharmacy, many patients have benefited from taking a natural medication in conjunction with a registered medication or other natural remedies. Moreover, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle, promotes a sense of calm by acting on the central nervous system, and supports healthy sleep patterns.Natural remedies may be especially attractive to a population whose sexual dysfunction is a side effect of a required pharmaceutical agent (e.g., antidepressant treatments).A triple-blind (investigator, patient, and statistician) trial of Gingko biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction reported some “spectacular individual responses” in both treatment and placebo control groups, but overall there were no statistically significant differences (21).Ginkgo, which may improve blood flow as well as the nitric oxide system, also has long been thought to contain sexual-enhancing properties, and it has been used by itself and in combination with other agents for this indication.Despite its popularity and supportive anecdotal evidence, very little systematic human research has been carried out on maca as a potential treatment for female sexual dysfunction.Talk to your doctor before trying a sexual enhancement supplement.In this particular review, we emphasize those clinical trials that are randomized and placebo-controlled, because placebo response rates in sexual dysfunction trials tend to be quite high. Adequate sexual function is an integral aspect of quality of life, and sexual dysfunction may be so distressing that some patients choose to switch or discontinue effective pharmacological therapies—in particular, antidepressants—because of sexual dysfunction side effects (2). Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, but it's unclear whether testosterone therapy would benefit older men who are otherwise healthy. It's also possible that these conditions cause low testosterone levels, so treatment might result in increase of testosterone levels. Vitamin B6 facilitates progesterone production by enhancing the enzymatic processes involved in hormone synthesis. Chasteberry is known for its ability to balance hormones, including increasing progesterone levels. As women transition through perimenopause, a decline in progesterone, coupled with changes in oestrogen, can lead to various symptoms. Navigating perimenopause can be a challenging journey for many women, as hormonal fluctuations bring about a myriad of symptoms. Losing weight, reducing stress and a healthy lifestyle have all been shown to increase testosterone levels in men, Dr. Simone says. Add in DHT boosting supplements + lift some heavy weights, and you can soon see your DHT levels skyrocketing. It’s a well-known fact that phytoestrogen consumption increases estrogen levels, reduces testosterone levels, and has a negative impact on DHT conversion through the already lowered T, and also because many phytoestrogens act as 5-a inhibitors. …Even worse, in this rodent study, theaflavins from black tea lowered DHT levels by -72% and 5-a enzyme levels by -89%. Several pesticides generously sprayed on conventional crops have shown to be strong anti-androgens that work by disrupting testosterone synthesis, DHT conversion, and 5-a reductase enzyme activity in the body (study, study, study). There is a paucity of data regarding the effectiveness or safety of natural psychotropic agents, be they used alone or in combination with other natural remedies, registered medications, or both. These symptoms must result in distress on the part of the patient and be continuous for six months (4). Sexual dysfunction may affect any part of the sexual response cycle, including libido and desire, arousal, and orgasm. These include negative self-perceptions in body image and confidence and a feeling of being less connected to a sexual partner (1). Therefore consuming high amounts of foods and drinks that contain phytoestrogens, such as hops, flax, licorice, soy, etc, can easily become detrimental to your DHT levels. According to another study, caffeine acts as a catalyst to the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes. From a hormonal point of view, it’s definitely not a waste of money to eat organic though. Also, if your goal is to maximize DHT production, then there’s some evidence that lowering the intake of medium-chain fatty-acids (coconut and palm oil) can be beneficial (but it’s not mandatory). However, certain saturated fatty acids can have a slight inhibitory effect on the 5-a reductase enzyme, at least if you believe this test-tube study where medium-chain fatty acids (those commonly found in tropical oils such as coconut and palm oil) reduced 5-a activity. If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Also, some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease. Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. For older men, it's important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism). As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1% a year after age 30 or 40. In this particular review, we emphasize those clinical trials that are randomized and placebo-controlled, because placebo response rates in sexual dysfunction trials tend to be quite high. Postmenopausal women constitute a largely neglected population in terms of interventions to ameliorate sexual dysfunction. The most common form of female sexual dysfunction is hypoactive sexual desire disorder, with prevalence rates ranging from 7.2% to 54.8%, depending on age (3). In this review, if not otherwise specified, the term female sexual dysfunction may refer to any or all of the above phases of the sexual response cycle. “Do not self-diagnose and think that supplements are going to cure or prevent a problem from occurring,” Dr. Simone says. While many of these products say they can increase sexual desire or performance, it’s unclear if they are safe or actually work. In additions to nutrients like amino acids, vitamins and minerals, they may contain herbs, such as horny goat weed, ginseng and maca root. To learn more about supplements, visit the National Institutes of Health. Since the FDA does not approve supplements for treating medical conditions, companies cannot market them for that purpose. Some supplements may even contain potentially dangerous impurities or hidden pharmaceutical drugs that can be dangerous. These products may not have evidence to back up their claims, and they could also lead to unwanted side effects. While it may be tempting to buy pills and bottles to boost your sexual performance, you might want to think twice before putting down your money. I generally recommend about 25-35% of daily calories from fat in order to raise T and DHT levels. Eating more dietary fat will also increase the levels of the 5-a enzyme needed for that conversion, so don’t forget to eat your damn fats. If your perimenopause symptoms have got out of hand, book a discovery call to see how I can help. Regular physical activity sends positive signals to the endocrine system, aiding in the regulation of hormones. Produced primarily in the ovaries, this hormone is not exclusive to pregnancy; its influence extends throughout the menstrual cycle. Progesterone, often referred to as the “pro-gestational hormone,” plays a pivotal role in a woman’s reproductive system and overall well-being. Lifestyle changes can be effective in treating sexual problems. Your doctor can also help you determine which supplements, if any, might help you,” Dr. Simone says.