The difference between right and wrong
Even as an advocate for natural alternatives, I can’t deny that the cultural impact Viagra has had in opening us up to talk about the sensitive issue of male erectile dysfunction has been a positive.
Now, it looks like women are going to get a turn at opening up about their frustrations in the bedroom.
Research data shows that sexual dysfunction in women is an even bigger problem than it is for men, statistically speaking. The number has been reported as high as 40 percent or more of all adult women report some sexual difficulties.
As a result of this revelation, Proctor and Gamble is working feverishly to get its “female Viagra” product on the market — a synthetic testosterone patch that will be called Intrinsa.
Even though testosterone levels in women are low compared to that of men, it is critical to sexual function in women. Menopause — especially if it comes on early — causes a drop in testosterone in women that often robs them of their sexual desire, feeling and function.
Like Viagra for men, I think this is the right idea — but the wrong solution. Natural testosterone can do the same thing, with a lot fewer question marks.
So yes, bring on the testosterone for women. But not the kind the pharmaceutical companies are going to peddle.
Besides, there’s no need to wait for P&G to introduce their new patch, which may take longer than expected anyway, now that the FDA has delayed its approval of the product. The alternative, natural testosterone is available now. You simply need to find a doctor who will test your levels of testosterone, and work with a compounding pharmacist to create the right dose and delivery system for you. For a list of alternative physicians in your area who can help, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine (800-532-3688, 949-583-7666, www.acam.org). For a list of compounding pharmacies near you, contact the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (800-927-4227, 281-933-8400, www.iacprx.org).
Of course, there are other physical causes besides low testosterone that can cause sexual side effects as well, such as hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, neurological diseases and autoimmune disorders like lupus. Other factors include prescription drugs, particularly anti-hypertensive and depression medication, as well as over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs, and alcohol abuse.
But if none of these apply to you, and you’re still having trouble, talk to your doctor about testosterone therapy. It could give you just the boost you need.
And, as a final note, it probably goes without saying, eating right, getting enough rest, and staying physically active also never hurt performance in the bedroom!
Forewarned is forearmed
Q: I am an avid reader of your newsletter and tips, and I follow your recommendation to take vitamin E with fish or flaxseed oil. But with the recent headlines about vitamin E, I wanted to find out why I’m doing it, and if you are changing your standard recommendation?
JVW: Adding the additional essential fatty acids to your diet, including fish and flaxseed oil, increases the lipid peroxidation of cell membranes. High levels of lipid peroxides are associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and rapid aging. Vitamin E balances this effect and protects against lipid peroxidation.
While the study you mention made for great headlines, it didn’t make for great science. All of the subjects had chronic illnesses and were in poor health at the onset of the investigation.
So I still continue to offer my standard recommendation of 400 IU of vitamin E daily when you add extra essential fatty acids to your diet.
What is…libido?
The term “libido” was coined by Sigmund Freud, and his definition was “the instinctual energy or force that can come into conflict with the conventions of civilized behavior.” More commonly, however, the term refers to a person’s sex drive, or feelings of sexual desire.
The ebb and flow of testosterone in women, and their reported libido response, certainly indicates a strong
connection between the two, making testosterone therapy a promising treatment for women with low libido. But drawing a straight line from libido to testosterone would lead you astray. For example, many women in childbearing years also report a loss of libido. In these cases, their testosterone levels have not dropped, but their levels of estrogen and progesterone have significantly. Not to mention the many changes that come with new motherhood.
Which leads to the conclusion that while many sexual enhancement solutions will tout the ability to increase libido, this term is actually more complicated than any single pill, patch or hormone enhancement can address.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
Graziottin A, Basson R. “Sexual dysfunction in women with premature menopause,” Menopause 2004; 11(6): 766-777
Pastor-Barriuso R, Dalal D, et al. “Meta-Analysis: High-Dosage Vitamin E Supplementation May Increase All-Cause Mortality.” Ann Intern Med. 2005; 142(1)
