Low Libido Medication for Women
FDA Approved Treatment:
Antidepressants - SSRI’s Fluoxetine (Prozac®) and Paroxetine (Paxil®)
**However these can also lower sex drive
Fibanserin (Addyi®)
-Taken once daily at bedtime
-Side effects: Hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness, nausea, fatigue
-Avoid: Alcohol; Fluzonaczle (Diflucan)
Bremelaontide (Vyleesi®)
Injection given prior to sexual activity
Side effects: Nausea (usually occurs more with the first injection), vomiting, flushing, headache, injection site reaction
*Addyi® and Vyleesi® are NOT FDA-approved for use in postmenopausal women
Hormone-Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Estrogen- pills, patches, sprays, gels, vaginal creams, suppositories (pellets), rings
**Estrogen does NOT help improve hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Estrogen
Pills, Brand names: Cenestin®, Estinyl®, Estrace®, Menest®, Ogen®, Premarin®, Femtrace®.
Creams, Brand names: Estrace®, Ogen®, Premarin®.
Vaginal ring, Brand names: Estring®, Femring® (treats vaginal symptoms and hot flashes).
Vaginal tablet, Brand names: Vagifem®. Imvexxy®
Patch, Brand names: Alora®, Climara®, Minivelle®, Estraderm®, Vivelle®, Vivelle-Dot®, Menostar®.
Spray, Brand name: Evamist®.
Side Effects:
bloating
breast tenderness or swelling
swelling in other parts of the body
feeling sick
leg cramps
headaches
indigestion
vaginal bleeding
Estrogen/Progesterone/Progestin HRT
Combination of Estrogen and Progesterone
Progestin- Synthetic form of progesterone
Side effects of taking estrogen without progesterone Can increase risk for endometrial (uterine) cancer
**If you no longer have your uterus (hysterectomy)- You typically will not need to take progesterone
Pills, Brand names: Activella®, FemHRT®, Premphase®, Prempro®, Angeliq®, Bijuva®.
Patch, Brand names: CombiPatch®, Climara-Pro®.
Vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Vaginal insert, Brand name: Intrarosa®
Testosterone-
-Low doses for women
-Side effects: acne, excess body hair, mood changes
**Is not FDA approved for sexual dysfunction in women so is prescribed off-label
Prasterone (Intrarose®)
-Dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA) vaginal insert .
-Used nightly to help with pain during intercouse related to vaginal dryness from Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
Ospemifene (Osphena®)
-Once daily pill. Helps with painful sex related to moderate to sever GSM
**Not approved for women who have had or at high risk for breast cancer
References:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research 1998-2022
https://clevelandclinic.org
Accessed 9/28/22