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To everyone interested in a
healthy libido:
While I'm not sure of the state of the art research to which
you allude, I have used Dr. Elizabeth Vliet's ideas extensively.
They consist of getting accurate hormone levels for estradiol,
progesterone, and testosterone in addition to a full thyroid
evaluation.
Interest in sex almost seems to be a final common measure
of the overall health of the person. So, achieving good health,
proper nutrition and exercise all are important as a base.
Thyroid function needs to be adequate in men and in women
for proper sexual function and optimal libido. Even declines
in thyroid function which remain in the "normal range"
can be serious enough to severely impair mood and libido.
A very common story is the thyroid inadequacy which comes
with Post Partum Thyroiditis. Following delivery of a child,
most often the second pregnancy, the woman "never quite
bounces back." The mood becomes more depressive, there
is often weight gain, and both partners are frustrated by
the changes from the fun-loving person she used to be. Fatigue
becomes chronic, PMS worsens, and periods are often markedly
different with discomfort or irregularity. Interest in sex
frequently declines during this time. While men like to think
that they call the shots sexually, if she is not interested,
many of us find it almost impossible to be.
Estrogen is important as a basic prerequisite, but testosterone
plays a major role in the mediation of libido in women as
well as men. Natural testosterone is, in my opinion, the best
option. The hormones naturally found in people seem to be
the safest and most predictable. I have seen major improvements
in mood, assertiveness, and libido in men and women on testosterone.
The return of confidence with the return of adequate testosterone
levels is beautiful to see. People gain more vigor in life
and overall improved sexual interest much of the time.
I actually think that while testosterone helps men a lot,
the effects are much more impressive in women. Their estrogen/progesterone
levels also appear to make them very sensitive to small doses
of androgens like testosterone. While some might claim that
it makes women "uppity," I prefer to think of it
as "Right on, Sister."
Hope this helps,
Don Michael, MD
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