His and Her Health

This may sound weird, but has anyone ever tried the herb 'horney goat weed'. I've seen it at major drug store chains. I also have recently had a very low sex drive. My doctor told me that since I still have a normal period, that my estrogen level is fine and that I'm probably just stressed. I have a great relationship with my husband. I'm not falling out of that lust stage, We have been together for 13 years, so I know the difference. Its only recently that I feel the lack of desire. I'm only on allergy med, so thats not it. We are stressed, but not any more so than other years. I don't really know what to do. I was thinking maybe this herb might help. I've seen this herb around for a while and was wondering if anyone else has tried it and what their experience with it is? I looked it up on a dozen sites and it suppose to raise your testosteron (sorry spelled wrong) levels. Thanks for any help?? I miss being in the mood!! <p>[This message has been edited by courtneym (edited 25 June 2003).]

Courtneym,<P>I've never tried horney goat week, but my Tai Chi teacher talked a lot about it. He is in his mid-50s and I suspect was going through "male menopause" or something similar as he was concerned about his loss of drive. From what he said it helped him, and he was willing to shell out the money for it. . .<P>The thing with herbs is that different people have different reactions. Also, in Chinese herbology, many herbs have different effects in women than in men. I would think that a person just has to jump in and try something and see if it works for him or her, starting with the lower doses.

I don't have any experience with the herb you're talking about. Probably the best person here on such things is Zaneblue. You might find one of her posts and get her email from the profile and ask her that way, if she doesn't reply to this message directly. (I tend to be a skeptic about such things, but Zane is better able to answer your questions.)<P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">My doctor told me that since I still have a normal period, that my estrogen level is fine and that I'm probably just stressed. </font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I would like to adress this issue though. This is complete bunk. You could be ovulating normally, and still have low estrogen. You can be ovulating normally and have extremely low testosterone levels. The only way to tell is to test these levels. (It's kind of like claiming that by looking at your blood with the naked eye, that the doctor could tell your blood was O-Negative.)<P>However, there are a number of issues that can affect your sexuality.<P>The first two books explain many of the factors. The last two are more focused on psychological issues, and I've read them all and found them to be very good.<P><UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>I'm Not in the Mood: What Every Woman Should Know about Improving Her Libido, by Judith Reichman - Score, 9/10 <LI>For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life, by Jennifer Berman - Score 8/10 <LI>Resurrecting Sex: Resolving Sexual Problems and Rejuvenating Your Relationship by David Schnarch (One really doesn't need both of David Schnarch's books, but both are good and somewhat different. Resurrecting Sex discusses medical causes for sexual dysfunction, where Passionate Marriage only reviews the psychological, though it's an excellent book.)<LI>Getting the Sex You Want, a Woman's Guide to Becoming Proud, Passionate, and Pleased in Bed by Sandra Leiblum, Ph.D. and Judith Sachs. </UL><P>Numerous drugs can also have strong effects.<P>Would you mind telling us what allergy med you're on? I suspect you're right, but perhaps someone might have some feedback for you.<P>You should know that testosterone levels decrease as you age. Some people appear to have significant problems related to this decrease. (T levels drop by ~50% from age 20 to age 40.)<P>I'd seriously consider finding a good FSD provider. You might be able to get to the bottom of things.<P>I see, by your profile, you live in NY. There are quite a number of ver excellent providers in your neck of the woods. Since it's not allowed to talk about providers here, perhaps you could email me, or better yet, post at the forum listed in my profile. We can give you a short list of people to try.<P>Best wishes,<BR>Greg<P>------------------<BR>My profile has my email address and website. Click on the icon at the top of this post that looks like a head with a question mark.<P>Also note, I am *not* a doctor, and this is not intended as medical advice - Please talk to your doctor about your concerns.

I've rather ignored this one because in all the research I've done, when it's popped up it's been for men only. But now doing a google search I find that it's recommended for women too, and there is conjecture that it might influence testosterone levels. I think I'll give it a try, why not.<P>There is a double-blind placebo-controlled study on the stuff in men. The interesting thing about the study was that it initially helped only 60% of those men, but of that 60%, six out of seven had positive results with the placebo. So I guess if it works for a person, it really works.<BR><p>[Note: This message has been edited by NEWSHE Moderator]

Thank you all for your advise. I'm going to look into a ny doctor. But in the mean time, I might try the herb. The allergy med. I take on a semi-regular basis is sudafed and flonase. But I take Claritin D. about once a week.