FDA Approves Libido-boosting Drugs For Post-menopausal Women – Experts Weigh In Its Benefits And Risks

A woman’s body goes through a wave of changes at every phase of their life. The changes are even more drastic post menopause. Post-menopausal women face changes in sexual health such as vaginal dryness and lower libido due to declining estrogen. US health authorities seem to have found a solution to this problem. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a medication, which is designed to increase libido in post-menopausal women. If you are interested to know more about this, then this article is for you.

To get a better understanding of what this drug can do for elderly women’s sexual health, we reached out to our experts, Dr Chetna Jain, Director- Department of Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon and Dr N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Read ahead.

FDA Greenlights Libido-boosting Drugs For Post-menopausal Women

This decision was declared on Monday by the FDA. The US health officials expanded approval of the much-debated drug, Addyi. It is aimed at boosting female libido. It has been mentioned that this once-a-day pill can now be taken by women over 65. The pill was first approved a decade ago for premenopausal women who experienced emotional stress due to low sex drive.

Addyi is marketed by Sprout Pharmaceuticals. It was earlier expected to become a blockbuster drug, supporting women’s sexual health. But the drug reportedly came with unpleasant side effects including dizziness and nausea. The FDA warns that drinking while taking the pill can cause dangerously low blood pressure and fainting.

Our expert, Dr Jain, shares her views on this step by FDA. “The FDA’s approval of libido-boosting drugs for post-menopausal women is a significant and, in many ways, welcome step. For decades, women’s sexual health — especially after menopause — has been under-recognised and under-treated. It is often dismissed as a ‘natural’ decline that women must simply accept. However, this development must be viewed with balance and caution. Libido is not governed by hormones alone. Emotional wellbeing, relationship dynamics, mental health, body image, chronic illnesses, sleep quality, and cultural conditioning, all these play major roles in sexual desire. A pill cannot and should not be positioned as a universal solution for a deeply complex, personal experience.”

She adds, “In summary, FDA approval is a positive step for choice and validation, but not a magic solution. The real progress lies in personalised, informed decision-making, where women are empowered to choose what feels right for their bodies and lives.”

Also Read: Expert Shares the Vital Connection Between Folic Acid and Women's Sexual Health

What Does This Step Means For Women's Sexual Health?

The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ approval of libido-boosting drugs by the FDA has brought focus to the sexual health of women, but it is quite essential to know the facts accurately. Our expert explains how and why.

“It makes possible the opening of sexual health dialogues between women and their doctors after menopause. These drugs can be useful to some women, but they are not a complete solution and may have some side effects. Generally, the treatment for post-menopausal women involves counselling, hormone balance, lifestyle changes, and overall health, etc. The essential point is that women’s sexual health is a matter of proper care, understanding, and receiving personalised medical ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌advice,” explains Dr Lulla.

Benefits And Risks Of Libido-boosting Drugs For Women

Dr Jain shares, “The primary benefit of libido-boosting drugs is improvement in sexual desire for women who experience persistent, distressing low libido after menopause. For some women, this can lead to better sexual satisfaction, improved self-esteem, and enhanced intimacy with their partners. Feeling ‘heard’ and validated — that their concern is real and treatable — can itself have a positive psychological impact.”

She adds, “Certain medications may also indirectly improve quality of life by reducing frustration, emotional distress, or relationship strain related to low sexual desire. When prescribed appropriately, and for the right candidate, these drugs can be one helpful tool in a broader treatment plan.”

But these drugs also come with their own set of cons. On this note, Dr Jain list down some of its potential risks:

• Common risks may include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headaches, low blood pressure, or sleep disturbances, depending on the drug.
• Some of these drugs may interact with alcohol or other medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Long-term safety data in diverse populations is still evolving.
• Importantly, libido-boosting drugs do not work for everyone. Many women see only modest improvement, and expectations need to be realistic.
• If underlying factors such as relationship issues, anxiety, depression, vaginal pain, or poor overall health are not addressed, medication alone is unlikely to help.
• There is also a psychological risk: women may blame themselves if the drug ‘doesn’t work’, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy. Hence, careful counselling before starting treatment is essential.

“Libido-boosting drugs can offer benefits for select post-menopausal women, but they must be used judiciously, with full awareness of risks, and always as part of a comprehensive, woman-centred approach to sexual health,” concludes Dr Jain.

Also Read: Why Libido Increases in Winter: Science Behind It

The Final Word

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a medication, which is designed to increase libido in post-menopausal women. The primary benefit of libido-boosting drugs is improvement in sexual desire for women who experience persistent, distressing low libido after menopause. But these drugs also come with their own set of cons. One must consult a doctor before planning to take these pills.