From the Guidelines
For women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) are FDA-approved options, while for men, testosterone replacement therapy may be considered when low testosterone is the cause, as evidenced by the most recent guidelines 1.
Medications for Increasing Libido
The following medications are available to increase libido:
- Flibanserin (Addyi): FDA-approved for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, taken as a 100mg pill once daily at bedtime
- Bremelanotide (Vyleesi): administered as a subcutaneous injection 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, not exceeding one dose per 24 hours or eight doses per month
- Testosterone replacement therapy: for men with low testosterone, available as gels, patches, or injections with dosing determined by a healthcare provider based on blood levels
- Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and similar medications: don't directly increase libido but can help with erectile function, which may indirectly improve sexual desire
Important Considerations
It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any of these treatments, as they all have potential side effects and contraindications. Underlying health conditions like depression, relationship issues, or medication side effects should be addressed first, as they commonly contribute to decreased libido. The most recent guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend re-evaluating patients at regular intervals and discussing available treatment options, including medications, topical vaginal therapies, and pelvic physical therapy 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mL Vial Label NDC 54868-3618-0 TESTOSTERONECYPIONATEINJECTION, USPCIII 200 mg/mLRx ONLY For IM Use Only 10 mL STERILE VIAL The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Drugs to Increase Libido
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment used to improve symptoms of testosterone deficiency, including decreased libido 2.
- TRT has been used for over 70 years and has various preparations and formulations to improve pharmacokinetics and patient compliance 2.
- The routes of delivery approved for use in the Western world include buccal, nasal, subdermal, transdermal, and intramuscular (IM) 2.
- Hormone therapy (HT) is also an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause, but its effects on libido are not directly mentioned 3.
- Estrogen hormone biology plays a role in both female and male reproduction, as well as other biological systems, and its receptors (ERα and ERβ) have unique expression profiles 4.
- The development of effective therapies for estrogen-related diseases, including those affecting libido, relies on an understanding of the physiological roles and mechanistic functionalities of ERα and ERβ in human health and disease 4.