Sex After 40

Five supplements to inspire desire

- Lisa Turner

Love life lacking? You’re not alone. As many as half of Americans over the age of 40 report some dissatisfaction with their sexuality. Hormonal fluctuations, poor circulation, and age-related changes in physiology can leave your libido less than frisky. But there’s hope: Natural supplements can shake a slumbering sex drive into wakefulness. Get ready for romance with these five natural love potions.

1. MACA, a powdered Peruvian root traditionally used to promote virility, appears to enhance desire without influencing hormones. In several studies, people who took maca reported heightened sexual desire, with no change in testosterone or estrogen levels. In other studies, people who took antidepressants— notorious for interfering with performance and libido— reported maca significantly increased desire. Other studies suggest maca may also increase sperm count and motility, and can improve erectile dysfunction (ED). Typical doses range from 3 to 10 grams per day. You’ll find it in powdered forms, which can be added to smoothies, and in capsules, tablets, and tinctures.