Anybody for Viagra?

Some women never went on hormones during menopause, but their sexual desire did return slowly. A critical part was that their partner did not rush them or make them feel bad about the lack of interest. They learned a lot about themselves and their body. Nutritional supplements, including extra magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc, help boost the libido. Also, sarsaparilla, a herb, helps the natural production of testosterone. And though estrogen-based creams do help with vaginal dryness, there are also natural alternatives, including vitamin E capsules and calendula cream, a moisturizer with antibacterial properties that nourishes and strengthens the tissues. And taking regular doses of evening primrose oil and essential fatty acids boosts the sex-hormone production of the adrenal glands.

Actually, Viagra is now being prescribed for women, even though the FDA hasn't approved it yet for us. (More than 150,000 women now use it, according to its maker, Pfizer.) Viagra increases the blood flow to the genitals. Women need this blood flow, just as men do, to achieve sexual arousal. That's the good news. The bad news is that even Pfizer's own doctors admit there's no reason to think the side effects, such as headaches and temporary visual problems, will be any different than in men. Viagra can also be deadly for a woman who is on heart medicine containing nitrates. Always try after your doctor's advice.