Some evidence suggests that the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may be helpful for improving sexual function in older women, but not in younger women.

DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands. Levels of DHEA decline naturally with age and fall precipitately in cases of adrenal failure. Because both elderly people and those with adrenal insufficiency report a drop in libido, several studies have examined whether supplemental DHEA can increase libido in these groups.

A 12-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of DHEA (50 mg daily) in 280 individuals between the ages of 60 and 79.¹ The results showed that women over age 70 experienced an improvement in libido and sexual satisfaction. No benefits were seen in younger women. Two other trials did not find benefit, but they enrolled much fewer people and ran for a shorter period of time.^2,3

In addition, two small double-blind, placebo-controlled studies tested whether a one-time dose of DHEA at 300 mg could increase ease of sexual arousal in pre- or postmenopausal women respectively.^24,25 The results again indicate that DHEA is effective for older women but not for younger women.

One 4-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 24 women with adrenal failure found that 50 mg per day of DHEA (along with standard treatment for adrenal failure) improved libido and sexual satisfaction.⁴ DHEA is not usually prescribed to individuals with adrenal failure, but this study suggests that it should be.

For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full DHEA article.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a combination therapy containing the amino acid arginine; the herbs ginseng, ginkgo, and damiana; and multivitamins and minerals.²⁰ Researchers enrolled a total of 77 women between the ages of 22 and 71 years and followed them for 4 weeks. All participants complained of poor sexual function. The results showed superior sexual satisfaction scores in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. Some of the specific benefits seen included enhanced libido, increased frequency of intercourse and orgasm, greater vaginal lubrication, and augmented clitoral sensation. A larger followup study performed by the same research group also reported benefits.³² However, confirmation by an independent research group will be necessary before these results can be taken as reliable.

Yohimbine is a drug derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. Studies have only used the standardized drug, not the actual herb. One small double-blind, crossover study of yohimbine combined with arginine found an increase in measured physical arousal among 23 women with female sexual arousal disorder as compared to placebo.²¹ However, the women themselves did not report any noticeable effects. Only the combination of yohimbine and arginine produced results; neither substance was effective when taken on its own.

An open trial of yohimbine alone to treat sexual dysfunction induced by the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) found improvement in 8 out of 9 people, 2 of whom were women.²² However, in the absence of a placebo group, these results can't be taken as reliable; in addition, there are concerns about the safety of combining yohimbe with antidepressants.

Note: Yohimbine and the herb yohimbe are relatively dangerous substances in general. They should only be used under physician supervision.

The other constituents used in these combination therapies may also present some risks (see the full articles for safety issues).

One double-blind, placebo-controlled study found evidence that use of vitamin C led to an increase in intercourse frequency in healthy women, presumably because it increased libido.²⁹

A very small double-blind trial reported that a proprietary topical treatment containing GLA and a variety of additional supplements and herbs improved sexual function in woman with female sexual arousal disorder.²⁸

A highly preliminary study has been used to claim that the herb ephedra is helpful for women with sexual dysfunction.²⁶ However, this trial was very small, enrolled women without sexual problems, and only examined sexual responsiveness to visual stimuli. In another study, ephedrine improved female sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI antidepressants, but so did placebo, and there was no significant difference between the benefits seen with the two treatments.³⁰Note: There are serious health risks associated with ephedra. For this reason, we do not recommend that women with sexual dysfunction use ephedra. For more information on the health risks of this herb, see the full Ephedra article.

Numerous case reports and uncontrolled studies raised hopes that the herb Ginkgo biloba might be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction, particularly as a result of antidepressant medication.^13-17 However, the results of a number of double-blind studies (see Why Does this Database Rely on Double-blind Studies?) indicate that ginkgo is no more effective than placebo, whether or not subjects are taking antidepressants.^27,31,33

Other treatments often proposed for treating female sexual dysfunction, but that lack any meaningful supporting evidence, include horny goat weed, maca, molybdenum, diindolylmethane (DIM) and Rhodiola rosea.