As men start to age, male hormone levels begin to drop. The Cleveland Clinic states that testosterone levels can begin to decline as early as age 30 and may result in symptoms such as decreased sex drive, depressed mood and erectile dysfunction. While there may be some prescription treatments for hormone imbalances, some herbs may provide some benefit as well. Talk to a health professional about your symptoms before starting any new herbal treatments.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto has been most widely used to treat Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy or enlarged prostate. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that it is also used to treat other hormone balance issues in men including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and hair loss but no studies have confirmed its effectiveness. It may cause side effects like gastrointestinal distress. It may also interact with prescription medications such as warfarin and may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including herbal supplements.
Ginseng
Ginseng's best known use has been as an aphrodisiac for men, though it may treat many other conditions. It may work to help establish hormone balance by stimulating the hypothalamus to increase hormone production and aid in promoting health of the sexual organs. The herb may also increase blood flow to the penis and aid in cases of erectile dysfunction. Ginseng may interact with certain medications such as warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. Overuse of ginseng may cause side effects such as headache and elevated blood pressure.
Chaste Berry
Chaste berry, also called vitex, contains phytochemicals that are precursors to some of the sexual hormones including testosterone, androstenedione and progesterone and may help with hormone balance. While it has mostly been promoted for women experiencing hormone difficulties it may help men as well by providing the building blocks to make hormones. Chaste berry may take several months to work and it may cause side effects including stomach upset and acne.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine has been used as a remedy for erectile dysfunction as well as a treatment for diminished sex drive. According to Phyllis Balch, author of "The Prescription for Herbal Healing" it may be particularly helpful for those who are taking antidepressant medication which may decrease sex drive in some men. Balch also recommends that it is best used as a tincture as some pills called "yohimbe" may not actually contain any of the active ingredient. The prescription medication Yocon contains an active form of yohimbine and is used for erectile dysfunction.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto
- Glenwood Pharmaceuticals: Yocon Prescribing Information
- "The Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2002
