WellBeing Special Report – Increasing Your Sex Drive
Summary
WellBeing Special Report: Increasing Your Sex Drive examines the complex interplay of hormones, thyroid function, cardiovascular health, medications and nutrition on libido. The report profiles seven evidence-backed herbs for boosting sex drive including Tribulus, Maca, Ashwagandha, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Black cohosh and Damiana.
Key Topics
▸ Libido influencers — Health status, energy levels, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, circulation problems, menopause, childbirth, overweight, excess alcohol, medications (SSRIs, the pill, blood pressure drugs).
▸ Hormonal drivers — Oestrogen peaks at ovulation increase desire; post-menopause oestrogen decline reduces libido and lubrication. Low testosterone reduces drive in both men and women (men lose ~1% per year after age 30). Oral contraceptives increase SHBG, binding free testosterone and lowering libido in ~15% of users.
▸ Thyroid connection — Subclinical hypothyroidism causes low energy, weight gain and low libido. Self-test: measure basal body temperature for five consecutive days; average below 36.4C may indicate subclinical hypothyroidism.
▸ Cardiovascular and metabolic links — Cholesterol buildup reduces blood flow including to genitals. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes impairs circulation, causing erectile issues and vaginal dryness.
▸ Top seven herbs — Tribulus (increases LH and FSH, boosts testosterone precursor DHEA); Ginkgo biloba (increases genital blood flow via nitric oxide); Panax ginseng (60% improvement in erectile dysfunction and libido in one study); Maca (3g daily for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction); Ashwagandha (lowers cortisol in stressed individuals); Black cohosh (oestrogen-like for menopausal women); Damiana (improves genital sensitivity, relieves anxiety).
What You'll Learn
• SSRI-induced low libido can be countered with Maca at 3g daily
• Basal body temperature self-test flags possible subclinical hypothyroidism
• ~15% of oral contraceptive users experience libido reduction via SHBG elevation
• Ginkgo biloba acts as a nitric oxide booster for genital blood flow
Editor's Take
This report delivers solid herbal pharmacology for the seven featured herbs, with dosage references and mechanism explanations that go beyond surface-level recommendations. The thyroid self-test section is genuinely useful for women who suspect hormonal issues but have been told their blood work is "normal." The weakness: the content reads as herb-centric rather than holistic, with minimal coverage of psychological, relationship or communication factors that affect desire. The DHEA and hormone-panel testing advice could benefit from stronger caveats about self-supplementation risks. This suits readers who want a targeted herbal protocol for low libido rather than a relationship or counselling approach.
Strengths
• Seven herbs with mechanism and dosage for each
• Basal body temperature self-test for subclinical hypothyroidism
• ~15% contraceptive-libido link is a useful clinical statistic for women
Weaknesses
• Minimal coverage of psychological and relationship factors in desire
• DHEA supplementation advice lacks risk caveats
Verdict: Selective read — Strong on herbal interventions, but skips the emotional and relational dimensions of low libido.
