Revitalizing Sexual Desire After Childbirth

In this time of information overabundance, much of which is inaccurate, unhelpful, or even difficult to understand, Northwell Health is on a mission to make a difference as an honest, trusted, and caring partner.

3. DHEA

Why it’s essential: Libido is shaped by everything from sleep and stress to circulation and muscle tone. “Nutrition, exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and even routine genital stimulation can make a big difference,” says Paolilli. And if sex is painful or uncomfortable, no supplement will fix that until the root issue is addressed. “If something’s painful, why are you going to do it?” adds McNally. “That’s where pelvic floor therapy, lubricants, or vaginal moisturizers come in.

The Exercise-Libido Connection

Best for: Everyone—pleasure can’t happen if pain is the starting point. Your libido isn’t broken—it’s just responding to new conditions. And with the right combination of comfort, curiosity, and clinical support, pleasure is still very much possible in this phase of life. “There are a lot of different factors that affect sexual function in menopause,” says Paolilli. So, if you’ve been wondering why things feel different—and what to do about it—you’re asking the right questions. The site connects with consumers to provide them with personalized content that reduces their stress, makes them laugh, and ultimately feel more confident and capable on their healthcare journey. Addyi helps balance neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to support sexual desire. The exact way Addyi works is unknown. ADDYI was studied in gel erectile dysfunction four 6-month clinical trials in more than 3,200 women with low sexual desire, of whom 902 were postmenopausal and under 65.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive ADDYI or a placebo. Researchers evaluated changes in the number of sexually satisfying events, desire, and stress due to frustrating low sexual desire. Getting Addyi doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Patients with insurance coverage pay as little as $20 per month2. Addyi is only $149/month through PHILRx, delivered free to your door, and their coupon is automatically applied. When brain chemicals fall out of balance, sexual desire can drop too. “Addyi helped me reconnect with my desire in a way that finally felt sustainable.” “After menopause, I thought losing desire was just something I had to accept. Addyi helped me realize I didn’t.” “For the first time in a long time, I feel more engaged and satisfied during sex, not distracted or checked out.” “I had no desire, I thought it was just me… something that happened as I got older.

6. L-Arginine and Nitric Oxide Boosters

To find out, we spoke with two menopause-focused Northwell Health OB/GYNs—Dr. JoAnna Paolilli and Dr. Stephanie McNally—to learn what they recommend to their patients, and where they draw clear boundaries. This is one of the few treatments that comes up again and again in menopause care for improving both comfort and sexual response. Unlike systemic hormone therapy, this works locally—directly on the vaginal tissue.

1. Try Hormone Therapy

What it is: A prescription vaginal insert that helps boost natural lubrication, arousal, and orgasmic response by stimulating local estrogen and testosterone production. “It’s placed vaginally, and the cells convert it into estrogen and testosterone, which helps with lubrication, pain, arousal, and even orgasm,” explains Paolilli. By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well. If the word “hormone” gives you pause, you're not alone. “Some women are hesitant about estrogen,” she says.

Is it legal to put something in someone's drink to boost libido? +

It’s a steroid that your body converts into what it needs.” Best for: Women with dryness, discomfort, or decreased sensation during sex who want a targeted, local treatment. From drugstore creams to Instagram-famous “hormone-balancing” serums, plenty of products claim to be a safer, “natural” alternative to hormone replacement therapy. But for many of these options, the safety hasn’t been proven. What they are: Over-the-counter products often marketed as “bioidentical,” “plant-based,” or “gentle hormone balancers.” “I don’t recommend these,” says Paolilli. “We don’t know what’s in them, or if they’re even safe.” Testosterone is often overlooked in conversations about women’s health, but it plays a real role in sexual desire—and for some postmenopausal women, a low-dose prescription can help. But then one of my girlfriends told me about Addyi. All I have to say is OMG… I wish I had learned about this sooner!” “Addyi helped me reconnect with my desire in a way I’d been missing for years.” “I used to dread going to bed with my husband because I was never in the mood… he thought it was his fault. Before Addyi, there were 26 FDA-approved treatments for male sexual dysfunction. Not because the need wasn’t there. But because there was simply no desire to take women’s desire seriously. Your online visit today is only $49 $19. By clicking here you will go to a third-party telemedicine provider. See full prescribing Information including Boxed Warning regarding severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/pi Your online visit today is only $49 $19. What is the most important information I should know about ADDYI?

ADDYI can cause severe low blood pressure and fainting (loss of consciousness). Your risk is higher if you drink alcohol close to your dose.

Do not take ADDYI with certain medicines or if you have liver problems. To lower your risk of low blood pressure and fainting: Do not drink alcohol close to the time you take ADDYI.

A few exceptions

What it is: Low-dose testosterone, compounded from male formulations and used off-label to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). While providers might sometimes prescribe a tenth of the male dose, that small amount can support desire—but too much can lead to side effects. “Women may develop hair growth in unwanted places, acne, or even voice changes,” notes Paolilli. “And the voice changes can be permanent.” As a result, doctors should monitor blood levels to make sure testosterone levels stay in a safe range. One form of testosterone that’s never recommended: implants, which can release too much hormone and cause infection related to the insertion site.

DAMIANA EXTRACT

Best for: Medically supervised care only, under a specialist trained in midlife and sexual health. Not quite ready for prescriptions or hormones? Zestra and Ristela are two over-the-counter options that might offer support without a big commitment. They won’t transform your libido overnight—but they may help some women feel more in tune with their arousal. What they are: Non-hormonal products that may support arousal and orgasm.

Reduce Stress

Zestra is a topical oil blend applied to the clitoral and vulvar areas before intimacy.“It’s something you can get on Amazon,” says Paolilli. Ristela is a daily oral supplement made with amino acids and antioxidants.“It’s a complementary option,” says McNally. “And it’s something a lot of women are curious about.” Best for: Women seeking gentle, hormone-free support—especially alongside pelvic floor work or other arousal strategies. Even with the right product or prescription, libido doesn’t live in a vacuum. What supports energy, blood flow, and relaxation matters just as much—if not more—than what’s in your supplement drawer. Skip your dose if you had 3 or more drinks before bedtime.

• Consuming foods like dark chocolate and strawberries can stimulate dopamine and desire.
• Yoga can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance sexual confidence.
• Regular physical activity increases circulating testosterone, supporting female libido.

Wait at least 2 hours after 1–2 alcoholic drinks before taking ADDYI.

• Healthy relationships and overcoming relationship issues can significantly impact libido.
• Herbal supplements like fenugreek may boost testosterone levels and sexual desire.
• Practicing mindfulness during intimacy can heighten pleasure and libido.

After taking ADDYI, do not drink alcohol until the next day Talk to your doctor about the medicines and supplements you take and before starting any new ones Do not take ADDYI if you have liver problems If you feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking ADDYI, lie down right away. Get medical help if symptoms do not go away.

take certain medicines that increase ADDYI levels in your blood (including some treatments for HIV, fungal infections, antibiotics, hepatitis C, heart conditions, or depression such as nefazodone) What should I tell my doctor before taking ADDYI? Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you: drink alcohol, use drugs, or have a history of substance abuse have ever had depression or other mental health conditions have low blood pressure or a condition that can cause it Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you take, as they may interact with ADDYI. What should I avoid while taking ADDYI? Do not drink alcohol close to your dose Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 6 hours after taking ADDYI Do not take supplements such as St.

• Regular exercise increases blood flow and hormone production, enhancing female libido naturally.
• Balanced diets rich in healthy fats and protein support hormone balance and sexual desire.
• Adequate sleep reduces stress and boosts energy, positively affecting libido.

John’s Wort, ginkgo, or resveratrol, or certain medicines like cimetidine, without talking to your doctor What are the possible side effects of ADDYI? ADDYI can cause serious side effects, including: See “What is the most important information I should know about ADDYI?” This is not a complete list of side effects.

How It Works

And that’s where better sex after menopause begins. Can eating pineapple get you in the mood? 5 topics you shouldn’t be afraid to bring up with your OB/GYN. From the latest tips on sleep and skin care to personal stories that’ll hit you in the feels, we’ve got you covered with all the good stuff. The Well is Northwell Health’s commitment to the future of health care. ADDYI is a prescription medicine used to treat hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women < 65 years of age who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past, no matter the type of sexual activity, situation, or sexual partner, and it is troubling to them. Their low sexual desire is not due to a medical or mental health problem, problems in the relationship, medicine or other drug use. ADDYI is not for use in men or to improve sexual performance. Aphrodisiacs are foods and herbs that are thought to get you in the mood for lovemaking or to increase your sex drive. The word comes from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Legend has it that Casanova, the Italian adventurer and perhaps history’s most famous lover, slurped down dozens of oysters before bedding down with his partners.