How to Increase Libido

Couple under the sheets with their feet sticking out

Don't have the energy to take your mascara off at night, let alone indulge in some sexy time? Many women find that as they move towards their late 30s they start to experience a decline in libido.

Increasing your libido isn't just about increasing your sex drive, it's about boosting pleasure in all areas of your life. Lisa Campana explores ways to get you fired up. Horny goat weed, anyone?

Changing Relationships

A change in your libido can be part of a normal long-term relationship. Dr. Goldmeier from the Jane Wadsworth Sexual Function Clinic at Imperial College London explains that, "in the course of a normal long-term relationship a woman's libido naturally decreases. She moves from a spontaneous sexual relationship to a responsive one." Meaning that while you may not want to rip your partner's clothes off as soon as you see him or her, the attraction is more than likely to be still there. It's just changed, and you may have to adapt your sexual relationship as a result.

Stress & Libido

Stress is another common factor in libido loss. Both oestrogen and androgens, released by the ovaries and the adrenal cortex, have been implicated as culprits. Stress can suppress oestrogen secretion and, while research is still limited, has been reported to also suppress levels of adrenal androgens in the bloodstream thus decreasing libido.

Exercise & Libido

Exercise is a great way to give you a boost as natural chemicals called endorphins are released in the body. These "feel good" chemicals are not only responsible for the natural high you feel after a great workout, but they are also released after sex. Skip those boring gym workouts and add some extra body confidence boosting fun to your workout by trying an activity like salsa dancing, pole fit or burlesque dancing.

Herbal Help

While you should always see our GP if you are concerned about any unusual symptoms, there are some natural alternatives to help combat declining hormone levels. Shatavari, a herb known in Ayurvedic medicine as "she who has 100 husbands", has been used for thousands of years to enhance libido, promote fertility and combat depression. Other herbs, such as ginseng, damiana, and epimedium (also known as "horny goat weed") are also commonly used to enhance libido in both women and men.

Nutritional Help

Certain nutrients in the diet such as zinc (found in oysters), Vitamin A, folic acid and other B Vitamins all play important roles in female reproductive health and may help to regulate sex hormones. Phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can bind to oestrogen receptors and thus replace some of the naturally declining oestrogen, are also important. Good sources are soya, linseeds, whole grains and alfalfa.

Age & Libido

It's normal for a woman's sex drive to decline naturally as she enters her late 30s. Shanta Gyanchand, a psychosexual and relationship therapist, explains. "Some women can experience perimenopause, or pre menopause, as early as their late 30s, during which time the sex hormones start to decrease or fluctuate. This can happen up to 10-15 years before the actual onset of menopause."

Reconnect With Yourself

Taking time out to reconnect with the things that you enjoy is also important. Gyanchand recommends her patients to "put aside three half-hour sessions per week to remind yourself of things that you enjoy. Whether it be scented oils in the bath or yoga or simply looking at a sunset, it can be anything that makes you feel happy and stimulates your different senses." Reminding you of these things will help you to unwind and put you in touch with things you associate with pleasure.

Balance Your Body Image

An important thing to remember is that some women create their own negative body image, which can greatly impact how they see themselves sexually. To help keep things in perspective Gaynchand says, "write a list of the negative messages you have about yourself and next to each one write any proof you have of that negative message. You will most likely find that the perception of yourself is out of balance with the reality".