Dr. Grey AI

Female Sexual Dysfunction

In women, “sexual dysfunction” encompasses many conditions related to one’s ability to have or enjoy sex. Sexual dysfunction may involve issues with desire, arousal, orgasm, or intercourse. Because the causes of sexual dysfunction vary, treatments for the condition also vary.

Quick Answer

What it is

In women, “sexual dysfunction” encompasses many conditions related to one’s ability to have or enjoy sex. Sexual dysfunction may involve issues with desire, arousal, orgasm, or intercourse.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Libido (Tribulus Terrestris)
  • Grade B: Subjective Sexual Arousal (PT-141 (Bremelanotide))
  • Grade C: Depression Symptoms (Saffron)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Female Sexual Dysfunction

  • Supplements Studied:8
  • Research Trials:13
  • Total Participants:697
  • Top Supplement:Tribulus Terrestris (B)
13 trials
697 ppts
8 supps · 29 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Moderate Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

Tribulus TerrestrisB
250-750mg daily (standardized to 40-45% saponins)

May increase androgen levels and improve sexual desire and satisfaction in women

8 studies | 400 participants
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)B
1.5-3g daily

Adaptogenic herb that may improve sexual desire and reduce antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women

10 studies | 500 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

FenugreekB
300-600mg standardized extract daily

Contains furostanol saponins that may increase sexual desire and arousal in women

5 studies | 250 participants
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)B
10-25mg daily

Precursor to sex hormones; may improve sexual function in women with low androgen levels

12 studies | 800 participants
Ginkgo BilobaC
120-240mg standardized extract daily

May improve blood flow and reduce antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction

6 studies | 300 participants
Red CloverC
40-80mg isoflavones daily

Contains isoflavones that may improve sexual function in menopausal women

5 studies | 200 participants
AshwagandhaB
300-600mg daily (standardized root extract)

Adaptogen that may reduce stress and improve sexual function through cortisol modulation

4 studies | 200 participants
L-ArginineC
2.5-5g daily

Precursor to nitric oxide which improves genital blood flow; may enhance arousal

5 studies | 200 participants
SaffronB
30mg daily

May improve sexual function and arousal in women, including those on antidepressants

5 studies | 200 participants
Vitamin DC
2000-4000 IU daily (based on levels)

Deficiency associated with sexual dysfunction; supplementation may improve function when deficient

4 studies | 200 participants

How It Works

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) encompasses a range of issues including low sexual desire (hypoactive sexual desire disorder - HSDD), difficulty with arousal, problems achieving orgasm, and pain during sex. These issues affect up to 40% of women at some point and can significantly impact quality of life and relationships. Causes are often multifactorial, including hormonal changes (especially during menopause), psychological factors (stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues), medications (especially antidepressants), and medical conditions.

IMPORTANT: Sexual dysfunction has many causes including relationship issues, stress, depression, hormonal changes, and medical conditions. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is important. These supplements may help but don't address underlying psychological or relationship factors that may need counseling or therapy.

•Tribulus Terrestris is one of the most promising herbs for female sexual dysfunction. Studies show it can improve sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction. It may work by gently increasing androgen levels or improving androgen receptor sensitivity—androgens are important for female sexual desire too.
•Maca is a Peruvian adaptogenic root that has been used traditionally for enhancing sexuality. Research shows it can improve sexual desire in women, including those experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Importantly, maca doesn't appear to work through hormone changes, suggesting other mechanisms.
•Fenugreek contains furostanol saponins that may support healthy hormone levels. Studies in women show improvements in sexual desire, arousal, and overall sexual function.
•DHEA is a hormone precursor that naturally declines with age. In women with low androgen levels (common after menopause or adrenal issues), DHEA supplementation can improve sexual desire and function. Intravaginal DHEA is also FDA-approved for treating vaginal atrophy.
•Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that reduces stress and cortisol levels. Since stress is a major factor in female sexual dysfunction, addressing stress through adaptogens may help restore normal desire and function.
•Saffron has shown benefit in clinical trials for both general sexual dysfunction and antidepressant-induced sexual problems. It may work through serotonin modulation and anti-depressant effects.
•Ginkgo Biloba improves blood flow throughout the body including the genital area. It has some evidence for helping with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
•L-Arginine increases nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and can improve genital engorgement and arousal.
•Red Clover contains phytoestrogens that may help with menopausal sexual symptoms.
•Vitamin D deficiency is associated with sexual dysfunction, and many women are deficient. Maintaining adequate levels may support overall sexual health.

Expected timeline: Herbal adaptogens (maca, ashwagandha): 4-8 weeks for full effects. Tribulus and fenugreek: 4-8 weeks. DHEA: 4-12 weeks. L-arginine and ginkgo (blood flow): 2-4 weeks. Consistent use is important for these supplements.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Libido
Small Increase
4 studies
small↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
4 studies
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
B
Subjective Sexual Arousal
Early studies showed bremelanotide positively affected subjective sexual arousal in women with female sexual arousal disorder.
moderate↑Improves
C
Depression Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
2 studies
moderate↓Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
↑Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Sexual Function
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Estrogen
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Menopausal Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
1 study
↑Improves
D
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Libido
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prolactin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Libido
No effect
1 study
none
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Blood Pressure
No effect
1 study
none
?
Heart Rate
1 study
↓Improves
?
Libido
1 study
↑Improves
D
Depression Symptoms
No effect
1 study
none
?
Libido
2 studies
↑Improves

Research Citations (100)

Female Sexual Desire, Arousal, and Orgasmic Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Treatment Options.
(2026)
PMID: 40543759
2024 SOGC, 2024 NCCN, 2022 ESO-ESMO, and 2018 ASCO: a comparison of female cancer survivorship guidelines for the management of sexual health concerns.
(2025)
PMID: 40518469
Practical considerations and emerging approaches for the management of vasomotor and sexual symptoms in breast cancer patients on endocrine therapies.
(2025)
PMID: 41088800
Intravenous peptides and amino acids for erectile dysfunction: a narrative review of current applications and future directions.
(2025)
PMID: 40069591
A Comprehensive Review of Novel FDA-Approved Psychiatric Medications (2018-2022).
(2024)
PMID: 38646400
Prespecified and Integrated Subgroup Analyses from the RECONNECT Phase 3 Studies of Bremelanotide
(2022)
PMID: 35230162
An evaluation of bremelanotide injection for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder
(2022)
PMID: 36242769
Safety Profile of Bremelanotide Across the Clinical Development Program.
(2022)
PMID: 35147466
Management of Hypertension with Female Sexual Dysfunction.
(2022)
PMID: 35630054
Effect of bremelanotide on body weight of obese women: Data from two phase 1 randomized controlled trials.
(2022)
PMID: 35170192

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