Testosterone is one of the major hormones responsible for our sex drives. Women produce small amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands.

Women experience a drop in estrogen and testosterone levels with the onset of menopause or from menopause caused from chemotherapy or the removal of the ovaries. For many women, the loss of libido is connected to this dramatic loss of hormones. They just don’t have the urge anymore, which affects their intimate relationships with their mates and can cause much distress without the sexual bond. Between the ages of 20-40, our testosterone levels drop by 50%. When we hit menopause we lose another 30-50%. Many of us who rely on medications such as certain antidepressants, birth control pills, and some drugs that lower blood pressure are under double jeopardy as these can lower testosterone levels also.

Lower testosterone levels are also responsible for lack of sensitivity to the nipples and clitoris, which can impede many women from achieving orgasm. Physical examples of lowered testosterone show themselves through loss of pubic hair, dry skin and the shrinking of genital tissue. Muscle tone decreases dramatically as our testosterone levels decline.

Men also are subject to a 35% testosterone loss between the ages of 20 and 80. The amount of androgens (male hormones) steadily decreases after the age of 25. Lowered levels of testosterone cause penis shrinkage and loss of libido. Men also suffer from decreased muscle tone, moodiness and depression as their testosterone levels decline.

Many people experiencing these symptoms from plunging hormonal levels are turning to hormone replacement therapy, which can have positive results in getting their libidos back to normal. Many physicians are reluctant to use synthetic hormone replacement therapy because of the many possible side effects, and the lack of long- term clinical studies. They’ve found that these include: acne, unwanted facial hair, oily skin, and the concern that testosterone has a tendency to lower the HDL (the good) Cholesterol levels, especially when taken in pill form. According to Brian Walsh, MD from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, 50% of women taking testosterone notice no change in their libido. In rare cases testosterone taken in pill form can impair liver function.

Testosterone is not going to help someone suffering from years of sexual incompatibility or dissatisfaction. The general agreement from many studies show that testosterone causes a decrease in sexual inhibition and increases the sex drive. So many people believe the benefits of increased libido outweigh the side effects and enjoy the new- found help for their lagging desires! You and your doctor must make the decision jointly whether hormone replacement therapy is for you.

Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Testosterone Replacement

Zinc. The male sex organs use more zinc than any other part of the body. Due to zinc deficiency in the foods we eat we often are not getting what we need. Many men with impotency problems are found to be deficient in this mineral. Zinc also stops the pituitary gland from making prolactin, according to research done by Alan Judd at the University of Virginia Medical School. Prolactin stops testosterone production. The body absorbs zinc citrate easier. Low levels of zinc in women are related to vaginal dryness and lower sex drives. Scientists have been able to synthesize the main precursor to testosterone-androstenedione or ASD. ASD works with the body making just the right amount of testosterone that it needs.

Lycopene is an important nutrient found in tomatoes, which seems to be important for sexual health in men. The testicles contain more lycopenes than any other part of the body; impotent men have very low levels of it. Being recently discovered scientists haven’t figured out why the testicles contain such a high amount, except that this plant extract acts as a shield to the sex organs. Lycopene is one of the strongest antioxidants found hundreds of times more powerful than vitamins C, E and pycnogenol or grape seed extract. So give your man lots of tomato concentrated foods to help ensure his sexual longevity!

There are many herbs to help balance your hormonal levels. By working with your doctor or naturopath you can find just the right herbs. Whether experiencing PMS, menopause or peri-menopausal symptoms there are herbs that can help bring your body chemistry back into balance.

It may be safer to let the body use the mild forms of phytohormones in herbs to help bring back sexual potency, before resorting to concentrated and controversial forms of hormones that can have strong and undesirable side effects.

Remember that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to ensure a full and satisfying sex life. Fresh air and nature can invigorate and stimulate us. Regular exercise can increase blood flow and thereby help to stimulate the life force and libido.