We women are wonderful, but also complex beings with many different needs and emotions. One of these needs is the female libido. But what does libido actually mean? How is it related to a woman's cycle and fertility? What factors have a negative impact on libido and how can it be increased?
Content:
- The libido & the female cycle
- High libido, sex & orgasms - health benefits
- Libido killer: What has a negative impact on libido?
- Fancy more? Natural spiciness
- One last tip: track your cycle!
1. the libido & the female cycle
The word libido comes from the Latin and means something like "lust", "drive" or "desire". In simple terms, libido describes the desire for sex. A woman's desire for sexual satisfaction is primarily dependent on her menstrual cycle, or more precisely on the hormonal changes that occur during it.
Let's start on day 1 of the female cycle - the first day of your period. Menstrual cramps set in, you feel like you just want to hole up at home and your energy levels are generally low. Of course, our hormone levels are at their lowest point.
But salvation is near! Oestrogen - one of our favorite happiness hormones - begins to rise. We feel more self-confident, talkative, sexy, full of energy and our desire increases. Pretty clever: the hormone oestrogen not only ensures a good mood during this phase, but also the maturation of the egg and a woman's fertility.
Moving on, oestrogen and testosterone levels reach their maximum shortly before ovulation. Together, the two hormones provide more energy and a higher sexual desire: Fertility & libido reach their peak.
After ovulation, oestrogen and testosterone levels drop rapidly. Hello buzzkill progesterone! The hormone progesterone is responsible - in the event of conception - for supporting pregnancy, among other things. In terms of libido, it tends to have a dampening effect, making you sluggish and tired. In addition, of course, there are the usual PMS symptoms, such as headaches and mood swings. In the last few days of our cycle - shortly before the next period - we can feel particularly sensitive due to the sharp drop in hormone levels.
2. high libido, sex & orgasms - health benefits
The fact is: sex is fun and healthy - even without a partner! A high libido, sex and orgasms can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health.
What sex can do?
- Strengthen the immune system: Regular sex activates immune cells against potential pathogens and is therefore considered one of the most natural immune system boosters of all.
- Reduce stress: Numerous hormones are released during cuddling, sex and orgasms, including the cuddling hormone oxytocin. It helps to inhibit stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
- Promote relaxation: Sexual arousal supports the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which help the body and mind to relax. This does not even necessarily require an orgasm.
- Improve sleep: The hormones that reduce stress and have a relaxing effect also help to prepare the body for sleep. But be careful! We recommend calmer sex before going to bed, as sex that is too wild can have a stimulating effect and have the exact opposite effect.
3. libido killers: what has a negative effect on libido?
In addition to the natural fluctuations in the female libido, other factors can also inhibit the female sexual drive.
- Hormonal changes: What do hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy and the menopause have in common? They all cause hormonal changes in one way or another. A natural conclusion: the female libido also often gets confused.
- Medication: Some medications have the side effect of impairing sexual desire. It is best to discuss this directly with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Alcohol: Although you may often find that a glass or two of wine in the evening really gets you in the mood, too much alcohol over a longer period of time can lower your testosterone levels and have a negative effect on your desire for sex.
- Stress & lack of sleep: However, it is often "just" stress and lack of sleep that reduce our desire for sex. An increased stress level increases the release of cortisol and adrenaline - the stress hormones we are already familiar with. These inhibit the release of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin - our happiness hormones.
- Problems in the relationship: The loss of libido due to conflicts or problems in the relationship should also not be neglected. However, sometimes the decline in desire for sex and low excitement is simply due to the fact that you have already become very used to each other.
Why does the libido decrease with age? age usually decreases with age? While the level of the hormone testosterone decreases with age, the oestrogen level usually drops sharply around the menopause. This has a particular effect on a woman's sexual desire, but can also manifest itself in the form of difficulty getting wet.
4. fancy (even) more? Natural spiciness
How can you increase your sexual desire in a natural way? Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a balanced, healthy diet - these factors alone can work wonders.
But there is still a lot of potential for improvement in your everyday diet. Did you know that there are foods that are considered natural pungents (aphrodisiacs)?
- Chili: The fiery red chili is literally a pungent spice. It ensures that opiates are released in the body and stimulates blood flow to the mucous membranes.
- Parsley: This culinary herb is not only a real vitamin C bomb, but also has an aphrodisiac effect. Tea made from parsley root is particularly recommended.
- Cinnamon: The spice is said to promote blood circulation in the sexual organs and stimulate the production of pheromones, the body's own scents.
🤫 HER ONE insider tip: RED MACA
The red maca root or Lepidium meyenii has its origins in the Peruvian Andes. For the Incas, this miracle plant has been considered a powerful aphrodisiac since time immemorial and, as a superfood, ensured an exciting love life - especially for women. The love bulb contains many important vitamins and amino acids. The exact mechanisms of action of the red maca tuber are still the subject of intensive research, but initial studies already point to positive effects:
Taking red maca is said to bring about changes in sexual desire, mood and energy, for example.¹ In women in the early postmenopause, red maca is said to have a balancing effect on female hormone levels and can alleviate symptoms of menopausal symptoms (such as hot flushes).² Sexual dysfunction in women is also said to be alleviated by taking the miracle tuber.
Fun fact: Due to its aphrodisiac effect, in many traditional villages in Peru the red maca root may only be eaten by married couples.
As the red maca tuber is not readily available in supermarkets, European manufacturers often rely on food supplements containing red maca extract in the form of drops or capsules.
As with all food supplements, the same applies here: It is not a medicine and does not work immediately (at least not for everyone)! A long-term and regular intake is therefore essential.
5 One last tip: track your cycle!
You still have no idea when you are in which phase of your cycle? Then start observing your cycle now. Whether you use an app or a traditional pen and paper, make a daily note of whether you have your period, your desire for sex, your mood, physical symptoms and anything else you notice. You'll soon be able to put 1 and 1 together.
And very importantly:
If you're in the mood for sex right now, take your time - with or without a partner - and MAKE LOVE! ❤️🔥