Has your sex drive taken a dip recently? Many women notice a drop in libido, or desire for sex, over time, especially during perimenopause and menopause. But just because your desire is playing hard to get doesn’t mean your sex life is over for good! According to the experts we spoke to, there are natural libido supplements that can help boost your sex drive. Find out what’s worth trying.

It’s normal for libido to change with age

Many different factors contribute to a changing sex drive, says Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health.

“For women, natural shifts in hormone production during and after menopause often lead to a drop in libido,” Dr. Dasgupta explains. “Other contributing factors can include complications from health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, certain medications such as antidepressants, stress and changes in their relationships.”

According to a 2021 study in the journal Menopause, several of these factors may crop up around the same time in life, playing a role in an overall drop in libido and decreased sexual activity. For example, women may find themselves experiencing vaginal dryness and sleep issues due to perimenopause at the same time that they’re caring for an aging parent. 

The physical symptoms of perimenopause in combination with a stressful life situation can push your sex life to the back burner. But that doesn’t mean your libido is a lost cause. 

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The best libido supplements for perimenopause and beyond

There are several supplements that may help improve sexual function and increase sex drive, says Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com. “Often supplements that help with libido contain several ingredients,” adds Dr. Connor. Here, a few top picks that may increase your sexual desire:

DHEA

DHEA is a natural hormone that influences sex drive in both men and women. “DHEA, aka dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone made by the adrenal glands,” Dr. Connor says. “It’s the building block for testosterone and estrogen.”

“In women, DHEA production peaks during your 20s and gradually declines with age,” Dr. Connor explains. “DHEA helps with muscle mass, strength, immune support, energy and vitality, mood, and emotional well-being, in addition to helping to improve libido.” 

DHEA supplements typically come in a 25 mg serving size. Just be sure to talk to your doctor about whether DHEA is right for you, and how much you should take, before starting the supplement. One to try: Pure Encapsulations DHEA 25 mg.

L-arginine

“L-arginine is an amino acid that helps make nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels,” Dr. Connor explains. That can help boost blood flow to the vaginal area where it’s needed. One to try: Nature’s Bounty L-Arginine 1,000 mg.

Yohimbine

Odds are you might not have heard of this plant-based supplement before, but it can help improve sexual satisfaction and overall sexual health. “Yohimbine comes from an African tree,” Dr. Connor says. And like l-arginine, it “helps improve blood flow.” One to try: Nutricost Yohimbine HCL 5 mg.

A blend of these three ingredients

Many libido supplements contain a blend of active ingredients, such as Innosups Inno Drive for Her. This blend contains maca root, Tribulus terrestris and ginseng, all of which support sexual desire. 

“Maca root is popular for its touted ability to increase your sexual desire and energy, although more research is necessary,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Tribulus terrestris claims to improve arousal, while ginseng is historically known for its ability to combat fatigue and boost libido.”  

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Topical products can boost your libido, too

While libido supplements are a great place to start improving your sex drive, they may not be right for everyone. Certain topical treatments have been shown to increase sexual desire and arousal, too. 

“Some products can aid in the physical components of low libido,” says Jillian LoPiano, MD, Chief Health Officer at Wisp. “For example, vaginal dryness can be treated to make sex more pleasurable and less painful.” (Learn more about how to treat vaginal dryness here.)

The bottom line? The right product may dramatically improve your libido and sex life. But it’s just as important to talk to your doctor. There may be prescription medications that can help improve sexual dysfunction, too.

“Libido is a complex process that can have medical, physical, social and emotional components,” says Dr. LoPiano. “Talking with your doctor about all of these components can put together a picture to direct the plan of care if low libido is bothersome to you.”