Title: A Simple Solution for Low Libido in Women
Author: TC Luoma
Abstract
This article explores how a specific amount of zinc supplementation can double female testosterone levels and enhance sexual responsiveness, presenting new scientific findings relevant to Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), which affects approximately 40% of American women at some stage.
I. Introduction
Approximately 40% of American women encounter Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) during their lives. A recent study indicates that a simple zinc supplement might be the key to restoring their sex drive.
II. Understanding Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)
A. Symptoms
FSD is characterized by one or more of the following manifestations:
Low Sexual Desire: A lack of inclination towards sexual activity.
Orgasmic Disorder: Inability to achieve climax.
Sexual Pain Disorder: Pain experienced during vaginal contact or stimulation.
Sexual Arousal Disorder: While the willingness for sex may be present, the ability to become aroused (self - lubricate) is compromised.
B. Causes
Psychological and Relationship - based Views
Psychologists, marital counselors, or sex therapists may attribute FSD to various factors, often related to the partner's shortcomings. Their recommended remedies include:
Rekindling romance.
Offering frequent non - sexual hugs.
Being creative and playful, such as through role - playing, erotic conversation, dressing up, or engaging in more adventurous activities.
Sharing domestic chores, like vacuuming occasionally.
Avoiding rushing into sexual intercourse; instead, taking time to enjoy the experience.
Maintaining personal hygiene.
Medical Views
Doctors may suggest that FSD problems stem from low estrogen, low testosterone, or a combination of both. The physiological causes of low testosterone and low estrogen in females can include aging and menopause. However, the condition is not exclusive to post - menopausal women, as many younger women also experience FSD.
One potential cause of FSD is a simple zinc deficiency, which was the focus of a well - designed study.
III. The Zinc Study
A. Study Participants
The researchers recruited 116 post - menopausal women with serum zinc levels below 62 micrograms (levels under 60 are considered deficient) and low scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
B. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
Representative questions of the FSFI include:
“Over the last four weeks, how often did you feel sexual desire or interest?”
“How often did you become lubricated (wet) during sexual activity or intercourse?”
“When you had sexual activity or intercourse, how often did you reach orgasm?”
Responses are assigned point values, and six “domain” scores and an overall score are calculated. A woman scoring below 26.55 is classified as having Female Sexual Dysfunction.
C. Study Design
The women were divided into two groups. One group took a daily placebo for 6 weeks, while the other group took a daily capsule containing 25 mg of elemental zinc.
IV. Results and Explanation
A. Results
- Women taking the zinc supplement had nearly double their testosterone levels. The average FSFI score increased significantly from 19.23 to 31.91. Additionally, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels rose, but not to levels that would pose a problem (elevated levels of these two blood values are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events).
B. Explanation
Although researchers globally cannot prove a direct link between testosterone and female sex drive, multiple studies show that as testosterone levels increase, so does female arousal. Low estrogen levels can negatively impact female sex drive and vaginal lubrication. Since aromatase enzymes convert testosterone to estradiol (a potent form of estrogen), the increased estrogen levels from additional testosterone may explain the testosterone - libido connection.
The mechanism by which zinc elevates testosterone in women was initially unclear. While zinc is involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions in the body, including those in male Leydig cells in the testicles, women lack Leydig cells and testicles. However, research in an obscure Spanish medical journal revealed that in adult women's ovaries, there are ovarian hilus cells (OHC) similar to Leydig cells. These cells can be considered ovarian Leydig cells (OLC) and also produce testosterone. Sufficient serum zinc levels ensure optimal testosterone production in both male Leydig cells and female OLC.
V. Application of the Findings
A. Dietary and Supplementation Approaches
If an individual, whether a woman or a man, feels their sex life is not satisfactory, they can increase their zinc intake through diet, such as by regularly consuming shellfish, eggs, seeds, or nuts. An easier and potentially less expensive option is to take a zinc supplement. For example, Elitepro, a broad - spectrum mineral supplement available on Amazon, contains 30 mg of zinc in chelated form for better absorption, along with six other essential minerals.
B. Caution
The goal of taking zinc or magnesium is to bring testosterone levels to normal or high - normal, not to supraphysiological levels. To achieve the latter, actual testosterone administration via injections, creams, or subdermal pellets would be required. It is advisable to try the easier and less expensive approach first.
VI. Additional Information
For more details on female sexual health, refer to The Sexual Health Booster for Women.
VII. References
Mazaheri L et al. “Effect of Zinc on Testosterone Levels and Sexual Function of Post - menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” J Sex Marital Ther. 2021 Jul;47(8):804 - 813.
Carrasco - Juan JL et al. “Ovarian Leydig cells (OLC): A histomorphological and immunohistochemical study.” Histol Histopathol. 2017 Oct;32(10):1089 - 1097. PubMed: 28127725.
Cinar V et al. “Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion.” Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Apr;140(1):18 - 23. PubMed: 20352370.
