Low libido in women is a common issue that several females face at some point, especially during midlife. It can have physiological, hormonal, lifestyle-based or emotional causes. Most cases respond well to natural ways to increase female libido and/or with supplemental medication. Although if left unaddressed, it might progress to Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), requiring professional attention.
If you are struggling to increase libido, read our comprehensive guide of expert intimacy tips accompanied by research-backed, long-term lifestyle and dietary strategies for females. At Cheap Medicine Shop, you will also find trusted supplements, herbal solutions and medications designed to support women’s sexual health. Let’s make intimacy enjoyable again!
Method 1: Rekindle passion with romance and foreplay
Sexual desire is deeply linked to emotional intimacy and relationship quality. Thus, enhancing physical and emotional closeness with your partner using the given tips can quickly boost an otherwise low libido in women.
1. Give her a sensual massage
Cuddle your partner and offer her a massage to relieve her fatigue, or you can shower together. Since non-sexual touch relaxes the body, reduces stress, and increases oxytocin (the “love hormone”) levels, it will quickly get her in the mood.
2. Increase and improve foreplay
Spend more time on slow, attentive foreplay to help build arousal gradually, allowing the body to respond fully. Lengthen kissing, touching, and oral stimulation before penetration.
3. Create a romantic environment
Use soft lighting, calming music, and pleasant scents to relax and stimulate the mood. Watching erotic videos or reading erotica with your partner is also something that you can enjoy as a couple together.
4. Try new sexual positions
Introducing novelty increases excitement and curiosity in the bedroom. Change the angle, position or pace to find new sources of pleasure. Some couples enjoy introducing another person in the dynamic. If that excites both of you, be a throuple, even if only for a night.
5. Practice mindfulness during intimacy
Focus on sensations rather than distractions to reduce stress. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves, enhance oxygenation and improve arousal. Practice yoga poses that stimulate blood flow to the pelvic region, such as cobra pose, bridge pose and cat-cow stretch.
6. Keep open, honest communication
Talk openly with your partner about desires, fantasies, boundaries, and preferences to increase emotional safety and intimacy. If you or your wife wishes to use sex toys, be communicative and reciprocative about it.
Method 2: Consume foods that increase your libido
A nutrient-rich diet supports hormone balance, blood flow, and overall energy, all critical for sexual desire. Specific foods contain compounds that directly affect circulation and mood, making them effective natural libido boosters.
1. Eat zinc and magnesium-rich foods
Considered an aphrodisiac, oysters are rich in zinc and amino acids known to enhance sex hormone levels. Garlic contains allicin, which promotes circulation, while nuts and seeds with omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogen-rich food items (soy, flaxseed, legumes) help maintain hormone balance.
2. Have citrus fruits, watermelon and pomegranate in your diet
Vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, grapefruit, amla) strengthen blood vessels and boost circulation. Watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline, which relaxes blood vessels and increases genital sensitivity. Moreover, pomegranate juice is linked to increased genital blood flow, arousal and lubrication.
3. Snack on dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine and flavonoids that increase serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are associated with mood, pleasure and relaxation, thereby increasing sex drive in women.
Method 3: Have drinks that increase your libido
Proper hydration is crucial for good vaginal health because it helps keep vaginal tissues moist, elastic, and comfortable for sex while reducing dryness and irritation. So aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. Try water infused with lemon, cucumber, or mint for a refreshing feel. Additionally,
1. Drink coconut water and green tea
Coconut water and flesh provide electrolytes and quick energy. Green tea, containing catechins and L-theanine antioxidants, improves blood flow and reduces stress. Make it a habit to have both once a day to enhance metabolism and sex drive.
2. Savor pomegranate and beetroot juice
Being rich in antioxidants, both support hormonal balance and blood flow, especially to the intimate areas. This may help increase female libido.
3. Sip a glass of red wine occasionally
Contrary to the impact of alcohol on testosterone levels in men, red wine in moderation can relax and improve blood flow to the female genitals. So, don’t hesitate to enjoy a glass of your favorite red wine now and then.
Method 4: Take herbs to increase libido
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to support overall wellness. Some aid blood circulation and sexual health in both men and women, while others maintain hormone balance or reduce menopausal discomfort in women. You can try the following herbs to treat low libido issues.
1. Take ashwagandha, L-theanine, saffron or damiana
These herbs support relaxation, mood and arousal by lowering stress, improving sleep and increasing overall energy. You can order Ashwagandha online or offline in tablet, powder or gummy form.
2. Try maca, ginseng or fenugreek with your partner
Studies have shown that while Assigned Males at Birth observed an increase in testosterone levels, Assigned Females at Birth reported an increase in desire and arousal with supplemental Fenugreek. Likewise, maca root and ginseng are known to increase libido and endurance.
3. Opt for cayenne pepper, ginkgo biloba and Tribulus terrestris
These herbs help boost circulation to the brain and the female genitals with mild sexual stimulation, which may lead to an increase in libido in some women.
4. Consume chasteberry, red clover and shatavari
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause often cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and low sex drive in women. Certain herbs like chasteberry, red clover, and Asparagus help ease these symptoms and support sexual wellness by maintaining hormonal balance.
5. Begin DHEA supplements
DHEA-S or Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate is a naturally occurring hormone precursor to both male and female sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, respectively. Some women diagnosed with HSDD and menopausal symptoms have reported improved sexual desire on low-dose DHEA supplements.
6. Try Epimedium
Also known as Horny Goat Weed, this plant-based supplement from Chinese medicine is gaining popularity as a natural female libido booster. It contains icariin, which works similarly to Sildenafil, thus supporting longer-lasting erections in men and increased arousal in women.
Method 5: Try libido-boosting supplements
Supplements can boost libido by addressing nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, or stress-related impacts. Interestingly, several people report increased sexual desire triggered solely by their belief and trust in taking the supplements alone, rather than their actual impact on the body. This is known as the placebo effect.
You can either opt for over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed supplements as listed below.
1. Include OTC supplements after meals
Incorporate these essential vitamins and minerals to increase libido with over-the-counter supplements.
- B-complex vitamins support energy production and reduce stress-related fatigue.
- Vitamin D, popularly known as the sunshine vitamin, helps maintain hormonal balance along with bone health.
- Vitamin E is a key libido booster for women as it improves circulation to the genitals and reduces vaginal dryness, in some cases.
- Zinc and Magnesium are essential minerals for healthy hormone production and nervous system function.
2. Add-on Special supplements, if prescribed
Apart from those listed above, take these additional supplements to increase libido:
- Omega-3 fatty acids improve blood circulation and brain function, supporting mood and desire in both genders.
- L-arginine is an amino acid that increases nitric oxide, enhancing blood flow to sexual organs.
Method 6: Adopt lifestyle changes
Since lifestyle plays a huge role in maintaining or enhancing arousal, try following an active routine with a good diet to observe and note changes. These may be helpful for your GP to diagnose and treat you in case the issue persists. To begin with,
1. Start exercise to increase female libido
Regular physical activity improves circulation, boosts energy, and supports hormone regulation. Research shows that exercising for 30 minutes every day, 5 days a week, increases libido in both men and women. So, make it a point to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and start doing
- Kegel or pelvic floor exercises to strengthen vaginal muscles, improve sensation and orgasm control. Simply, hold a contraction for 6 seconds, relax for 6 seconds, and repeat 5-6 times daily.
- Aerobic and resistance training help build stamina and regulate mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
2. Maintain a consistent routine
Get 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep to support the hormonal balance of estrogen, testosterone, and energy. Try to wake up and go back to sleep at the same time every day to strengthen your circadian rhythm.
3. Lower stress and anxiety
Meditation and deep breathing help you release stress and tension that can enhance libido, making it easier to feel aroused. Yoga adds to these benefits by reducing anxiety, improving flexibility, and boosting blood flow, helping you feel more comfortable and satisfied in your sex life.
4. Improve your relationship with your partner
Stronger bonds reduce pressure during intimacy and make arousal more natural and enjoyable. So remember to share chores with your partner, partake in hobbies she likes and spend quality time outside of sex to strengthen the bonds of trust and emotional intimacy.
5. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake
Since both smoking and drinking negatively impact circulation and desire, cutting back or quitting both habits can restore vascular health, improve stamina, and enhance overall desire.
Method 7: Take doctor-prescribed medicines or therapy
When lifestyle changes and supplements do not suffice, libido-boosting medications and therapies prove to be effective for females with low sexual desire disorder, sexually related distress or HSDD. However, the given treatment plans must only be followed under medical supervision.
1. Take Addyi orally daily
Addyi or Flibanserin is a non-hormonal tablet that works by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain to increase female libido. This nighttime oral pill is FDA-approved for premenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder.
2. Inject Vyleesi as needed
Vyleesi or Bremelanotide is an FDA-approved injectable medication taken on an as-needed basis. It is to be self-injected subcutaneously (under the skin of the abdomen or thigh) at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Approved for premenopausal women with HSDD, do not exceed the maximum dosage of 1 dose per 24 hours and eight doses per month.
3. Take Female Viagra, if prescribed
Sildenafil citrate (the active ingredient of Viagra) is FDA-approved for male Erectile Dysfunction. However, it is used off-label for improved genital blood flow and lubrication, especially to manage Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. Consult a doctor to discuss whether it could be an option for you.
It is available as a standalone tablet as well as a combination salt with Dapoxetine.
4. Try sex therapy or counseling
Therapy will help address psychological barriers like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues by providing you and your partner a safe space to discuss these concerns. As a couple, you can also develop strategies to rebuild intimacy, like setting aside time for romance and date nights. In several cases, therapy helps couples improve communication and restore emotional closeness, which naturally boosts sexual desire in both women and men.
5. Use lubricants and creams
If you or your partner is dealing with vaginal dryness, discomfort, or pain due to low estrogen levels, vitamin E or natural Virgin Oil, non-hormonal lubricants, and vaginal creams might offer quick relief.
You can also ask your gynaecologist about Prasterone inserts or Estrogen-based creams, which can ease discomfort and help make intimacy less painful and more enjoyable.
6. Reevaluate existing medication
Some drugs (like antidepressants or hormonal contraceptives) can negatively affect sexual desire. Talk to your healthcare provider to adjust the dosage or prescribe alternatives instead. Do not stop or change medications without medical guidance, as doing so may cause serious health risks.
7. Get Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Around the age of 40, many women enter perimenopause, followed by menopause, and by age 60, most women are postmenopausal. During these periods, Estrogen and Testosterone levels decline sharply. This often leads to vaginal dryness, mood swings, night sweats and fatigue.
HRT for menopause can help restore estrogen and sometimes testosterone, under medical supervision. It involves taking medications that supply these hormones back into the body, usually as pills, patches, gels, or vaginal creams. You may also be prescribed progesterone to manage postmenopausal symptoms.
When to contact a doctor for low libido?
Seek medical advice if:
- Low sexual desire continues for over 6 months.
- Pain during sex, severe fatigue, or mood changes alongside low desire.
- A sudden, unexplained drop in desire or arousal.
- You suspect Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).
- Menopause-related symptoms such as dryness, hot flashes, or discomfort
If these symptoms persist, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis can help identify the underlying cause and an effective treatment plan to guide you back to a healthy and satisfying sex life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my libido is low?
If your level of sexual desire is noticeably lower than before and it’s causing frustration or affecting your relationship, you may have low libido. Tracking changes in mood, intimacy, and arousal can help identify the pattern and the right treatment option.
Do I have HSDD?
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is when low sexual desire lasts for months and causes distress. To know if you have HSDD, doctors usually ask about your symptoms, medical history, emotional well-being, and any medicines you’re taking. Sometimes blood tests or physical exams are done to rule out other causes.
Can you fully regain your libido?
Yes, many women regain sexual desire through targeted treatments, lifestyle changes, relationship improvements, or medical interventions. Recovery depends on addressing the root cause, which may be hormonal, psychological, or physical.
What is the best libido booster?
The best libido booster is subjective and varies from one person to the next. For several patients, lifestyle habits like regular exercise and nutrient-rich foods suffice, while others might require herbal supplements like Ashwagandha or maca, or FDA-approved medications that increase libido.
What time of day is libido highest for men and women?
Usually, for women, sexual desire often peaks mid-menstrual cycle when estrogen levels are highest. For men, testosterone levels and libido are usually highest in the early morning hours. Individual patterns, however, may vary based on hormones, overall health, age and lifestyle.
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