The Missing O in Orgasm

Ladies, if you have trouble reaching climax, you are not alone. While the drive may be there, the ability to finish may be sorely lacking, which can be SO frustrating! While sex can still be pleasurable, some women have never once experienced an orgasm! And perhaps equally tragic are women who once possessed the ability to climax but have lost it due to hormonal changes after childbirth and throughout the course of aging.

I covered the multi-faceted complexity of the female libido in a previous blog entitled Sex Drive for Women vs. Men, including specific herbs and supplements that can enhance the organs involved in sex hormone production. And now, we are going to delve deeper into several more nutritional components specifically related to orgasm for women.

I have mentioned the beneficial release of oxytocin during sex for pain relief, stress reduction, and bonding. But what I didn’t cover was the importance of oxytocin for orgasm in women: This is the Missing O in Orgasm! Without adequate oxytocin, a woman may not go into labor or progress. Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin used by allopathic medicine to induce labor. Oxytocin also stimulates the let-down of milk in nursing mothers. In both cases, the uterus contracts due to the release of this hormone. Through a similar action during sexual arousal, particularly nipple stimulation, oxytocin contributes to the ability for women to climax through uterine contractions. At least two studies have revealed an increase in plasma oxytocin at orgasm---in both men and women. (1), (2) This hormone is based on a sequence of 9 amino acids:

• Cysteine
• Tyrosine
• Isoleucine
• Glutamine
• Asparagine
• Cysteine
• Proline
• Leucine
• Glycine

Consuming eggs, fish & seafood, poultry, beef, organ meats (such as dessicated bovine liver and pituitary glands), seeds & nuts, cruciferous vegetables, and dairy can supply all 9 amino acids. These basic building blocks are synthesized into oxytocin in the hypothalamus, then stored and released by the posterior pituitary into the bloodstream. So, if these endocrine organs are not functioning up to par, then hormone production will be affected. Read Sex Drive for Women vs. Men to learn more about how to support your hypothalamus and pituitary.

Interestingly, not only does oxytocin contribute to female reproductive and sexual functions, but it also assists with: 

• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Addiction & withdrawal
• Reducing cravings
• Insulin production
• Anxiety
• Building trust & generosity
• Fidelity in marriage/ monogamy
• Injury healing
• Counteraction of cortisol
• Impotence in men

As you can see, oxytocin plays a significant role in multiple functions in the body, not just sexual pleasure. But deficient oxytocin may not be the only cause of female sexual dysfunction (FSD); low testosterone can also be a contributor. Stimulation of the proper organs plus the necessary building blocks can increase testosterone, or the “mother hormones” of pregnenolone and DHEA which convert to testosterone:

Once again, refer back to Sex Drive for Women vs. Men to learn about herbal and nutritional support for your endocrine organs that stimulate of sex hormone production. Or download End the Hormone Madness for more information about balancing your hormones naturally

Also important for orgasm is Acetylcholine, which aids in concentration/ prevents distraction and improves the ability for arousal. Important Acetylcholine boosters include: 

• Choline--dessicated liver, cauliflower, soybeans, spinach, lettuce, nuts, and eggs
• DMAE from oily fish such as salmon, anchovies, and sardines
• Omega-3s
• Manganese
• Phyophatidylserine-- dessicated liver, dairy, cabbage

Inositol & GABA assist with relaxation and letting go of fear. Along with these two components, valine and L-carnitine are two more amino acids that assist with orgasm. The mineral chromium and the herbs Rhodiola Rosea and Ginkgo Biloba assist with the production of dopamine (made from L-tyrosine, another amino acid) which is important for enhancing sexual desire.

To summarize, amino acids, good fats, cholesterol, and organ meats to the ability of women to achieve orgasm. A full complement of nutrition in both food and supplementation, proper digestive support for the breakdown of proteins, and support of the endocrine system can greatly improve your chances of getting what you need to reach full enjoyment during sexual intimacy. Nine amino acids are essential, and the rest can be produced by our bodies, so it is important to ensure that the essentials are being consumed EVERY day. More than 90 for Life, these are the 90 for a Healthy Sex Life! 

Last, but not least, consider other alternative treatments such as acupuncture, which stimulates the flow of energy to sexual organs. Dr. Jaci Zitterkopf at Natural Living Chiropractic & Acupuncture specializes in fertility, pregnancy, and children. Acupuncture and chiropractic are great complements to nutrition and herbs!

Contact me to learn more about how to get things back on track in your sex life!

L’chaim-- To Life!