10 Science-Backed Libido Boosters to Naturally Increase Your Sex Drive

Not quite ready for prescriptions or hormones? Zestra and Ristela are two over-the-counter options that might offer support without a big commitment. They won’t transform your libido overnight—but they may help some women feel more in tune with their arousal. What they are: Non-hormonal products that may support arousal and orgasm.

3. DHEA

When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist. This expert-backed explainer breaks down the most common natural libido supplements for women, plus what to avoid. After menopause, hormone levels drop, vaginal tissue thins, and sleep, mood, and motivation can take a hit. Cue the explosion of “natural” libido supplements, hormone-free creams, and viral sex oil ads claiming to fix it all. To find out, we spoke with two menopause-focused Northwell Health OB/GYNs—Dr.

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JoAnna Paolilli and Dr. Stephanie McNally—to learn what they recommend to their patients, and where they draw clear boundaries. This is one of the few treatments that comes up again and again in menopause care for improving both comfort and sexual response. Unlike systemic hormone therapy, this works locally—directly on the vaginal tissue. What it is: A prescription vaginal insert that helps boost natural lubrication, arousal, and orgasmic response by stimulating local estrogen and testosterone production. Zestra is a topical oil blend applied to the clitoral and vulvar areas before intimacy.“It’s something you can get on Amazon,” says Paolilli. Ristela is a daily oral supplement made with amino acids and antioxidants.“It’s a complementary option,” says McNally. “And it’s something a lot of women are curious about.” Best for: Women seeking gentle, hormone-free support—especially alongside pelvic floor work or other arousal strategies. Even with the right product or prescription, libido doesn’t live in a vacuum. What supports energy, blood flow, and relaxation matters just as much—if not more—than what’s in your supplement drawer. Why it’s essential: Libido is shaped by everything from sleep and stress to circulation and muscle tone. “Nutrition, exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and even routine genital stimulation can make a big difference,” says Paolilli. And if sex is painful or uncomfortable, no supplement will fix that until the root issue is addressed. “If something’s painful, why are you going to do it?” adds McNally. “That’s where pelvic floor therapy, lubricants, or vaginal moisturizers come in. Best for: Everyone—pleasure can’t happen if pain is the starting point. Your libido isn’t broken—it’s just responding to new conditions. And with the right combination of comfort, curiosity, and clinical support, pleasure is still very much possible in this phase of life. “There are a lot of different factors that affect sexual function in menopause,” says Paolilli. So, if you’ve been wondering why things feel different—and what to do about it—you’re asking the right questions. And that’s where better sex after menopause begins. Can eating pineapple get you in the mood? 5 topics you shouldn’t be afraid to bring up with your OB/GYN.

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The site connects with consumers to provide them with personalized content that reduces their stress, makes them laugh, and ultimately feel more confident and capable on their healthcare journey. Addyi helps balance neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to support sexual desire.

• B vitamins support energy metabolism and reduce stress, positively influencing libido.
• Monitoring thyroid health is important, as hypothyroidism can decrease sexual desire.
• Maintaining social and emotional well-being boosts confidence and sexual interest.

The exact way Addyi works is unknown. ADDYI was studied in four 6-month clinical trials in more than 3,200 women with low sexual desire, of whom 902 were postmenopausal and under 65. Participants were randomly assigned to receive ADDYI or a placebo. Researchers evaluated changes in the number of sexually satisfying events, desire, and stress due to frustrating low sexual desire. Getting Addyi doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

• Postmenopausal women may benefit from hormone replacement therapy to restore libido.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking cessation can improve vascular health and desire.
• Regular sexual activity increases libido by strengthening intimacy and arousal pathways.

Patients with insurance coverage pay as little as $20 per month2. Addyi is only $149/month through PHILRx, delivered free to your door, and their coupon is automatically applied. When brain chemicals fall out of balance, sexual desire can drop too. “Addyi helped me reconnect with my desire in a way that finally felt sustainable.” “After menopause, I thought losing desire was just something I had to accept.

Preventive Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Libido

While providers might sometimes prescribe a tenth of the male dose, that small amount can support desire—but too much can lead to side effects. “Women may develop hair growth in unwanted places, acne, or even voice changes,” notes Paolilli. “And the voice changes can be permanent.” As a result, doctors should monitor blood levels to make sure testosterone levels stay in a safe range. One form of testosterone that’s never recommended: implants, which can release too much hormone and cause infection related to the insertion site. Best for: Medically supervised care only, under a specialist trained in midlife and sexual health. Addyi helped me realize I didn’t.” “For the first time in a long time, I feel more engaged and satisfied during sex, not distracted or checked out.” “I had no desire, I thought it was just me… something that happened as I got older.

But then one of my girlfriends told me about Addyi. All I have to say is OMG… I wish I had learned about this sooner!” “Addyi helped me reconnect with my desire in a way I’d been missing for years.” “I used to dread going to bed with my husband because I was never in the mood… he thought it was his fault. Before Addyi, there were 26 FDA-approved treatments for male sexual dysfunction. Not because the need wasn’t there.

Libido Boosters vs. Libido Enhancers for Women: How to Read Labels Without Getting Tricked

“It’s placed vaginally, and the cells convert it into estrogen and testosterone, which helps with lubrication, pain, arousal, and even orgasm,” explains Paolilli. By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well. If the word “hormone” gives you pause, you're not alone. “Some women are hesitant about estrogen,” she says. It’s a steroid that your body converts into what it needs.” Best for: Women with dryness, discomfort, or decreased sensation during sex who want a targeted, local treatment.

DAMIANA EXTRACT

From drugstore creams to Instagram-famous “hormone-balancing” serums, plenty of products claim to be a safer, “natural” alternative to hormone replacement therapy. But for many of these options, the premature ejaculation medicine safety hasn’t been proven. What they are: Over-the-counter products often marketed as “bioidentical,” “plant-based,” or “gentle hormone balancers.” “I don’t recommend these,” says Paolilli. “We don’t know what’s in them, or if they’re even safe.” Testosterone is often overlooked in conversations about women’s health, but it plays a real role in sexual desire—and for some postmenopausal women, a low-dose prescription can help. What it is: Low-dose testosterone, compounded from male formulations and used off-label to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). But because there was simply no desire to take women’s desire seriously. Your online visit today is only $49 $19.

One Supplement to Avoid

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum): Kanna may decrease levels of serotonin, a brain chemical with a role in sexual desire and pleasure. (High serotonin levels are associated with a low sex drive.) However, there's no research proving kanna has a direct impact on libido. Red clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover contains plant-based estrogens that may improve vaginal health and lubrication, but there's no evidence it improves sexual desire or function. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): Chasteberry may affect female hormones, improving vaginal tone and lubrication in one study. It may improve sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women, but more studies are needed to verify its role in other women.

Naturally boost your libido with foods that are aphrodisiac

Betel nuts contain natural alkaloids that trigger the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that plays a key role in sexual pleasure and arousal. Although betel nut may boost libido, it's not recommended for anyone because it is highly addictive. It can also cause a number of adverse side effects, including insomnia and anxiety. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. By clicking here you will go to a third-party telemedicine provider.

The Big Pink Fight for the Little Pink Pill

While it's often recommended for male sexual function, few studies have explored its potential in females. Some research shows that the herb increases desire in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, but other studies have been inconclusive. Research is also unclear about the long-term effects of taking this supplement. Side effects include abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Many women have never been able to climax, or they infrequently orgasm, a condition called female orgasmic disorder.

5. Saffron

There are many possible causes, such as medication side effects, pelvic floor dysfunction, and psychological barriers. Talk with your healthcare provider to find the cause, get treatment, and regain a healthy sex life. Several other natural supplements may improve women's sexual well-being, but there is less evidence to support them. Gingko biloba: Gingko has a reputation for sexual enhancement. It may improve blood flow and increase nitric oxide, but studies published to date have not produced solid evidence it works. See full prescribing Information including Boxed Warning regarding severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/pi Your online visit today is only $49 $19.