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Libido, or sexual desire and arousal, is a symphony of biochemical signals:

Estrogen: certainly the lack thereof can cause women to shy from sex due to a thinning of the vaginal wall and a decrease in vaginal size in the menopause, causing painful coitus. The first thing I would suggest to my patients in the menopause would be estrogen replacement, preferably with bio-identical hormones. This is a tremendous help both physically and psychologically. (Estrogen is also the second best thing for the skin, to Retin-A).

• DHEA:  In animals, DHEA promotes libido, orgasms, and sex appeal.

  Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant hormone in the human body. It is involved in the manufacture of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone.  The decline of DHEA with age parallels that of HGH (see Tip 43), so by the age of 65, our bodies make only 10 to 20% of what they did at age 20.

   

  DHEA supplementation has been shown in various clinical studies to enhance the immune response against infection.  It also has been reported to be valuable against cancer, coronary artery disease, and osteoporosis.  DHEA also increases muscle mass and reduces fat mass.  DHEA has also been found to increase insulin sensitivity, so it may be valuable as in treating diabetes.  Because brain tissue contains five to six times more DHEA than any other tissue in the body, some research has found that DHEA supplementation may help protect against Alzheimer's Disease.

  In addition, DHEA may help stimulate HGH. Scientists suspect that by restoring the levels of DHEA, the liver may be prompted to produce more IGF-1 (a marker of HGH levels) or to generate more HGH receptors. (However, there is a lot of debate and lack of scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of DHEA.)

• Dopamine:  A neurotransmitter, it is a primary brain chemical responsible for desire and arousal.  By prompting the release of Lutenizing Hormone Release Hormone, dopamine causes men to produce testosterone.

• Estrogen: certainly the lack thereof can cause women to shy from sex due to a thinning of the vaginal wall and a decrease in vaginal size in the menopause, causing painful coitus. The first thing I would suggest to my patients in the menopause would be estrogen replacement, preferably with bio-identical hormones. This is a tremendous help both physically and psychologically.

• Testosterone: The key hormone necessary for sexual desire in both men and women, and is critical for men to achieve erection. Again, in women complaining of low sex drive, I would recommend testosterone supplementation, either orally or more commonly with a monthly injection of Depo-Testadiol.

• Oxytocin:  A protein produced in the brain, it reaches peak levels during orgasm.

After ruling out other possible causes of decreased sexual desire, a qualified physician can identify whether biochemical imbalances play a contributing role.