Not Feeling Frisky? Try DHEA

Frustrated by your lack of friskiness? You may be suffering from androgen deficiency syndrome (ADS), which is characterized by low testosterone levels, a lack of libido, difficulty with arousal and orgasm, decreased motivation, fatigue and a lack of well-being. Luckily, there's help! Turns out that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone naturally produced in the adrenal gland, can help alleviate these symptoms when taken as a daily supplement.

Dr. Irwin Goldstein of Boston University completed a study of 32 women with ADS who ranged in age from 28 to 53. Each woman took 50 mg of DHEA a day for six months.

The results? In 80 percent of the women, testosterone levels rose into the normal range. These women also reported "marked increased spontaneity and decreased time to achieve arousal, return of sexual fantasies, and [an] increase in desire arousal time." Side effects of the treatment were mild, consisting of mild acne in two cases and temporary breast tenderness in two cases.

This is good news for many of the estimated 43 percent of American women who suffer from sexual dysfunction. Caution is needed, however, and while DHEA is available over-the-counter, most physicians recommend you first undergo a medical evaluation before self-prescribing the love drug.

Discover how you can achieve peak sexual health and happiness at 40, 50 and beyond.