What’s not known is whether KRG can improve sexual function in premenopausal women. A 2015 study suggested that both placebo and KRG led to improved sexual function.
If you’re interested in increasing your L-arginine intake, you can also consider adding L-arginine-rich foods to your diet. It’s also sometimes called vitex, chaste tree, or monk’s pepper. Chasteberry may affect hormone production and activity. This includes progesterone and estrogen — two hormones that are important for sexual health. In at least one study, chasteberry improved sexual function in postmenopausal women.
And it may address menopause-related pain and discomfort during sex. There’s also evidence that chasteberry may help with male enhancement pill premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This could be useful for women who have PMS-related sexual problems. But some people experience mild side effects, like an upset stomach, headache, and itching. It’s also not clear whether chasteberry is safe for people with hormone-sensitive conditions (like certain cancers). So more research is needed to understand how ginseng affects premenopausal women. Ginseng is generally safe for most people in the short term (up to 6 months). But its long-term safety isn’t clear, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Yes, especially if you’re going through menopause. There’s good evidence that KRG may help with menopause symptoms — including sexual problems. Maca is a root vegetable native to Peru. It’s traditionally used to help with infertility, boost libido, and balance hormone levels. Researchers don’t know exactly how it works. It may have mild estrogen-like effects in the body. And it may be an “adaptogen” (an herb that helps your body respond to stress). Maca can be prepared as a food, either baked or roasted. It’s also available as a powder that can be mixed into smoothies or other recipes. In some cultures, maca is prepared as a fermented drink.
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But most of the published research on maca has been on its effects in men. Only a few studies have looked at maca and women’s sexual health. So far, there’s some evidence that maca might be helpful for sexual function during menopause. Maca may also help with the sexual side effects that antidepressant medications can cause.
After all, problems with sex are common. In fact, about 4 in 10 women worldwide have challenges with sex at some point. A lack of interest in sex (low libido) A lack of interest in sex (low libido) Trouble getting lubricated (wet) before and during sex Trouble getting lubricated (wet) before and during sex Some supplements may help support a healthy sex life — whatever that looks like for you. Here’s a list of those that probably work, some that probably don’t, and others to avoid. It’s your overall interest in sex, including your sexual thoughts, fantasies, and activities.
Libido is linked to feeling “turned on,” but it’s a separate thing. Your libido (or interest in sex) may lead to engaging in sexual stimulation (on your own or with a partner). And this can bring on arousal (your body’s physical and emotional response to sexual stimulation). And then you may experience an orgasm (the physical and emotional climax of sexual excitement). When your sex drive is low (a low libido), you’re not thinking about or interested in sex. Maca seems to be safe when eaten as a food (up to 3 g daily). It may be slightly riskier if taken in larger quantities as a pill.
This can make it difficult to have satisfying sexual connections, including stimulation, arousal, and orgasm. In fact, about 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will likely have a low libido at some point in their lifetime. Many different things can cause low libido, including: Hormonal changes, including changes from pregnancy or menopause Hormonal changes, including changes from pregnancy or menopause Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements are the first choice for many women who want to make a change in their sex life. But you may be wondering about how effective and safe they are.
Let’s take a closer look at what the research says about eight natural supplements that have the most evidence to support them. As always, before starting any supplement, it’s important to consult with a trusted healthcare professional. Amino acids are building blocks that your body uses to make proteins. Your body usually can make all the L-arginine it needs. But you can also get it by eating meat and fish, dairy, vegetables, and whole grains. Note that raw maca should be cooked before consuming. Try to avoid taking maca at night because it can disrupt sleep. Possibly, especially if you’re going through menopause, or if an antidepressant causes you to have low libido.
Foods that are especially rich in L-arginine include: L-arginine provides the raw material your body needs to make nitric oxide, a molecule that opens your blood vessels. Nitric oxide makes it easier for blood to flow to your genitals. Good blood flow is important for sexual arousal and orgasm. It can also help your vagina stay nourished and healthy. There’s some evidence that L-arginine can improve libido, decrease vaginal dryness, and increase clitoral sensation.
But L-arginine has mostly been studied as a combination supplement containing more than one ingredient (like ArginMax). Because of this, it’s not clear whether the positive effects seen in research studies are because of L-arginine, or L-arginine in combination with other ingredients. L-arginine taken as a supplement is potentially safe for many people, but it can have side effects, such as: It’s important to note that L-arginine may make herpes worse. It can also interact with many medications. Possibly, especially if you take it as part of a combination supplement. Keep in mind that it may be safer to add cooked maca to food, rather than taking it as a higher-dose capsule. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant rich in phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that act like estrogen in your body.
| Step | Action | Time Frame | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consult with healthcare provider | Before first use | For existing health conditions |
| 2 | Follow dosage instructions on package | Daily or as specified | Do not exceed recommended dose |
| 3 | Take with water, preferably before intimacy | 30-60 minutes prior | To optimize effectiveness |
| 4 | Avoid alcohol or other blood-thinning substances | On usage days | Reduces risk of side effects |
| 5 | Monitor for adverse reactions | During first week | Discontinue if severe side effects occur |
Estrogen is a hormone that has many jobs, including keeping your vaginal lovegra woman tissues healthy. Estrogen also plays a role in libido and sexual arousal. Yes, there’s evidence that red clover can support vaginal health in menopausal women, and reduce vaginal dryness and pain during sex. In a small study of women over age 40, taking red clover helped with vaginal dryness, low libido, and pain during sex. Red clover may also help with hot flashes, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis. But the evidence to support these claims hasn’t been consistent.
| Culture/Region | Acceptance Level | Common Concerns | Popularity of Use | Influencing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | High | Safety and natural ingredients | 70% | Wellness trends, open discussions |
| Europe | Moderate | Effectiveness and regulation | 55% | Mature healthcare systems |
| Asia | Varies | Stigma and traditional views | 40% | Cultural conservatism |
| Middle East | Low to moderate | Moral and religious considerations | 25% | Social and legal restrictions |
| Australia | High | Similar to North America | 68% | Progressive attitudes |
According to the NIH, people have taken red clover for up to 3 years in research studies without any safety concerns.
But you shouldn’t take it during pregnancy or while nursing. Yes — especially if you’re in your 40s or older. Red clover may help with vaginal health, libido, and sexual function. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally makes. It’s used to make other hormones that are important to your sex life, like testosterone and estrogen. Your DHEA levels are highest when you’re a young adult, then they slowly decrease as you age.
You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Overview of sexual dysfunction in women: Management. Many supplements claim to boost libido and sexual pleasure in women. But most of these supplements don’t have a lot of evidence to support them.
There’s some evidence that L-arginine, chasteberry, maca, and DHEA could help to improve sex for some women. Ginseng and red clover may be especially helpful for women going through menopause. Always talk with a healthcare professional before starting a supplement. Even though they’re “natural,” many supplements can cause side effects and interfere with other medications you take. Many products on the market claim to support women’s sexual health — and the options just keep growing. Yes, especially in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. In a 2017 literature review, DHEA seemed to help increase libido and arousal in women. It also made sex less painful and more pleasurable. DHEA also seemed to be linked to more frequent sexual activity and orgasms. DHEA can interfere with many common medications, especially psychiatric medications. At high doses, it’s linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. DHEA seems to be helpful for women before, during, and after menopause. But check with a healthcare professional to make sure DHEA is a safe option for you.
Be aware that chasteberry can interact with several medications, like birth control pills and antipsychotics. Possibly, especially if your sexual problems seem to be linked to menopause or PMS. But first be sure to check with a trusted healthcare professional about whether chasteberry is safe for you to try. Ginseng is a medicinal plant traditionally used to reduce stress, improve energy levels, and increase blood circulation. Like L-arginine, ginseng may encourage blood flow to your genitals, which might improve arousal, orgasm, and vaginal health.
There are many different types of ginseng. Sexual health studies often focus on Korean red ginseng (KRG), which is a type of Asian ginseng. Ginseng may work for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. One review of research showed that KRG improved sexual arousal in menopausal women. In another study, menopausal women taking ginseng had better sexual function and improved menopause symptoms and quality of life. Ashwagandha is an herb that’s used frequently in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s often used for reducing stress, anxiety, and inflammation. It can be taken as a pill supplement or added to food and tea. According to the Nutritional Medicine Institute, there’s not much evidence on whether ashwagandha helps with sexual problems in women.
But in some small studies, ashwagandha did improve lubrication, sexual arousal, and sexual satisfaction. Ashwagandha is generally safe to use in food and tea. But keep in mind that it can interfere with other medications.