Protocol · Women's Health
Female Sexual Dysfunction Support Protocol
Tribulus Terrestris and Maca (Lepidium meyenii) are the core of this stack, with 8 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Female Sexual Dysfunction Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
10 supplements · 5 graded · 2 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Tribulus Terrestris | Amount listed: 250–750 mg daily (standardized to 40–45% saponins) | May increase androgen levels and improve sexual desire and satisfaction in women
| Grade B for Libido320 people | ||
| Maca (Lepidium meyenii) | Amount listed: 1.5–3 g daily | Adaptogenic herb that may improve sexual desire and reduce antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women
| Grade C for Anxiety Symptoms16 people | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Fenugreek | Amount listed: 300–600 mg standardized extract daily | Contains furostanol saponins that may increase sexual desire and arousal in women | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Fenugreek (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | Amount listed: 10–25 mg daily | Precursor to sex hormones; may improve sexual function in women with low androgen levels
| Grade D for Libido1 study · 79 people | ||
| Ginkgo Biloba | Amount listed: 120–240 mg standardized extract daily | May improve blood flow and reduce antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
| Grade D for Depression Symptoms24 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Ginkgo Biloba (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Red Clover | Amount listed: 40–80 mg isoflavones daily | Contains isoflavones that may improve sexual function in menopausal women | Not graded yet | ||
| Ashwagandha | Amount listed: 300–600 mg daily (standardized root extract) | Adaptogen that may reduce stress and improve sexual function through cortisol modulation | Not graded yet | ||
| L-Arginine | Amount listed: 2.5–5 g daily | Precursor to nitric oxide which improves genital blood flow; may enhance arousal | Not graded yet | ||
| Saffron | Amount listed: 30 mg daily | May improve sexual function and arousal in women, including those on antidepressants
| Grade C for Depression Symptoms18 studies · 96 people | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (based on levels) | Deficiency associated with sexual dysfunction; supplementation may improve function when deficient | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The supplement in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade B
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How this protocol works
In plain language
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.