The Sexual Benefits of Fenugreek for Women

Ladies, looking for a way to boost your libido and encourage sexual satisfaction? Fenugreek may be just what you need! This powerhouse herb contains compounds that help maintain healthy levels of estradiol and testosterone, hormones that are vital for your sexual drive and satisfaction.

Discover how adding a fenugreek and saffron supplement to your daily routine could be the key to feeling your best, both inside and outside the bedroom.

What is fenugreek?

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an ancient herb native to the Mediterranean, southern Europe, and parts of Asia. The plant produces small, clover-like leaves and seeds that have been used for centuries for both culinary purposes and wellness in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese practices.

Fenugreek has been used historically for a variety of health benefits. Research has shown it may also support women's sexual function and wellness.

What does fenugreek do for a woman?

Keeping your sex drive alive is an important part of a woman's well-being, and fenugreek is known for its ability to give your libido a lift! The active compounds in fenugreek can help promote healthy sexual hormone levels, sex drive, sexual function, and satisfaction.

Fenugreek has been studied for its positive effects on women's sexual health. In a controlled trial involving 80 women aged 29 to 40 with self-identified low libido, participants who took 600 mg daily of fenugreek extract reported improvement in sexual satisfaction and healthy levels of sex hormones (estradiol and free testosterone). They also reported increased sexual desire and arousal compared with the placebo group.

The effects of fenugreek may also extend to supporting healthy hormone levels in women as they age. Declining estrogen levels can lead to symptoms like vaginal dryness, hot flashes and reduced libido. Fenugreek may provide support for these symptoms.

In a study of 45 women aged 39 to 51, a daily dose of 500 mg of fenugreek extract for six weeks helped support healthy levels of estradiol, progesterone, total and free testosterone. It was also found to reduce hot flashes and night sweats and support healthy mood and sleep compared with placebo.

What is the best way to consume fenugreek?

Fenugreek can be consumed in various ways. The seeds are often ground up and added to spice blends like curry powder. The leaves, known as "methi" in Indian cuisine, can be folded into curries to add a subtle bitterness or incorporated into breads for extra flavor. Another popular option is brewing the seeds as a tea to support healthy digestion.

While these traditional methods offer some health benefits, the most effective way to enjoy the effects of fenugreek is through nutritional supplements. Fenugreek supplements are formulated based on clinical studies to provide optimal dosages. They also come in standardized extracts to make sure you're getting a consistent intake of fenugreek's bioactive compounds. For best results, it's important to follow the dosage recommendations on the supplement label.

How do fenugreek and saffron improve sexual health in women?

Fenugreek and saffron are both powerful ingredients for supporting women's sexual wellness, including female libido and desire, healthy lubrication, and sexual satisfaction. Women can use fenugreek to help maintain healthy levels of estradiol and free testosterone—two hormones that are essential for the female sexual response, arousal and sex drive.

Like fenugreek, saffron has been clinically shown to improve sexual satisfaction. In a study involving 74 women aged 18 to 55, participants who took 15 mg of saffron extract twice daily for six weeks reported notable improvements in desire, lubrication, and overall satisfaction.

If you are looking to rekindle the spark, a nutritional supplement with ingredients like fenugreek seed extract and saffron may help you maintain a healthy sex drive and promote sexual function, so you feel confident and connected with your partner.

Does fenugreek help support healthy estrogen levels?

Yes, fenugreek can help support healthy estrogen levels. It contains natural bioactive compounds like saponins and flavonoids, which help balance key hormones like estrogen and free testosterone. These hormones help maintain healthy sexual function and can help promote sexual desire.

Healthy estrogen levels also help ease discomforts such as vaginal dryness and night sweats.

Is it OK to use fenugreek daily?

For most people, fenugreek extract is safe to take according to the product label. But you should always consult with your healthcare provider before using fenugreek or starting any nutritional supplement, especially if you take certain medications.

References

• Faisal Z, et al. "The multifaceted potential of fenugreek seeds: From health benefits to food and nanotechnology applications." Food Sci Nutr. January 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38628211/
• Kashani L, et al. "Crocus sativus (saffron) in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction: a three-center, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial." Avicenna J Phytomed. May-June 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36186931/
• Khanna A, et al. "Efficacy of a novel extract of fenugreek seeds in alleviating vasomotor symptoms and depression in perimenopausal women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study." J Food Biochem. December 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33025616/
• Nagulapalli Venkata KC, et al. "A small plant with big benefits: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) for disease prevention and health promotion." Mol Nutr Food Res. June 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28266134/
• Rao A, et al. "Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study." Phytother Res. August 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914334/
• Shifren JL, et al. "Sexual problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates." Obstet Gynecol. November 2008. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18978095/
• Thomas JV, et al. "Phytoestrogenic effect of fenugreek seed extract helps in ameliorating the leg pain and vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study." PharmaNutrition. December 2020. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213434420300347