Even before the new “Female Viagra” hits pharmacies next month, exciting new research (no pun intended!) in the medical journal Phytotherapy Research gives hope for women desiring a libido boost. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers at the University of Queensland, University of Sydney and other Australian research facilities assessed the effects of the spice fenugreek on sexual desire in women 20 to 49 years old. They found that this spice, most known for the maple-like flavor it adds to Indian curries, was highly effective in increasing women’s sexual desire, as well as sexual arousal. After taking the all-natural, standardized herbal extract for eight weeks, the women were assessed for effects of the remedy, which researchers noted worked by regulating several hormones involved in sexual desire and arousal.
The news comes on the heels of the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first drug approved for the treatment of sexual desire in women. The drug, is known as Addyi, flibanserin, or the more common monikers “female Viagra” or “the little pink pill.” Last month, the drug received approval for a recently-recognized condition called “hypoactive sexual desire disorder” (HSDD) that refers to low sexual desire not due to medical/psychological conditions or relationship issues. In my experience, a drop in libido occurs primarily in post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes, but the drug is intended for pre-menopausal women instead.
I’ve seen many comments on the Internet indicating that the drug is actually a step forward for women’s rights, since men have had several drug options to increase libido for years. But when I review the drug’s side-effects, I’m not so convinced that it is a step forward for women. According to the FDA’s own data: “Addyi can cause severely low blood pressure (hypotension) and loss of consciousness (syncope)” particularly when it is used in combination with alcohol and some medications. As a result, alcohol is contraindicated for women using the drug. Other side-effects include: dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dry mouth. The drug is scheduled for release next month.
Addyi is believed to work on serotonin receptors to increase libido, although the exact mechanism by which the drug works is not known. Serotonin is a naturally-present chemical in the brain (as well as the digestive tract) that is involved in communication between different parts of the brain. It regulates mood, anxiety, anger, sleep, appetite, memory and learning. It affects almost every one of our 40 million brain cells.
In a study assessing the effectiveness of the drug Addyi, researchers found that study participants averaged only one-half to one additional “satisfying sexual events” per month than prior to using the drug.
It seems to me that the risks unconsciousness or severely low blood pressure with Addyi may far exceed the benefits of less than one additional sexually-satisfying experience monthly. On the flip side, the natural herb fenugreek has no known harmful “side-effects.” According to medical herbalist and author of the book Medical Herbalism, David Hoffman, fenugreek has “no side effects or drug interactions.”
A typical dose of the herbal tincture (alcohol extract) is one to two milliliters daily. Fenugreek can also be made into a tea by lightly crushing one to two teaspoons of the seeds, pouring boiling water over them and infusing in a covered container for at least ten minutes. Three cups of the tea is typically drunk daily.
Source: Care2
