I'm 22 years old and I have been taking a DGL licorice supplement called DGL Plus (from Pure Encapsulations) 3-4 times a day for the past 5 months. I just realized that this is what was causing me to have no libido. I stopped taking the supplement two weeks ago and I still don't have a libido. About how long will it take for my libido to go back to normal, and is there anything I can do to help my libido go back to normal?
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dbpei
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I have never heard of licorice supplements causing loss of libido! Being sick with tick borne illness can cause this too. Between the damage it does to our brains and bodies, and the way we feel while suffering, many of us don't have the same sex drives we did when we were well. Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Catgirl
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Wow, I never would have thought DGL would do that. It looks like it affects cortisol. In addition lyme can do it too. I think I'll buy my husband some licorice!
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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dbpei
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You are too funny, Catgirl. That was good information! I may want to slow down on my daily pot of licorice tea!
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Keebler
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- It would seem that since you stopped this two weeks ago and see no change in libido points to other variables - and most likely, lyme / other infections in the may ways they can interfere with our wishes.
Usually - for most people - either regular licorice or DGL will help GENTLY increase libido as it supports adrenal function & mood - and helps reduce stress chemical overload.
Lyme, itself, though, sharply reduces libido (in so many ways) as the body really needs to conserve energy for the health "emergency" of sorts that lyme presents in daily life.
Yet, this can come in waves. And, if the adrenal system or the entire HPA-axis is overwhelmed, there can be times when one pulls in someone for intimacy with extreme need - on so many levels. It's very complicated, all this.
Unless caused by a particular substance (many Rx will lower libido, for instance - as can stress, illness) . . . when we are ill, a lower libido is doing us a favor and it may be best to "listen" to it and not push our energy output yet reach for other ways to feel intimacy and love.
Sexual stuff (can't find the right word), well, it's so very hard on the body - the heart - circulation, etc. if the body is ill. Listen lovely and know this is not forever. Also, please - please - do not take anything that promises increased libido. It can be too harsh on an ill body.
Hopefully, with a loving and committed partner, you will both find a way to work through this. You might plan more rest for a couple days prior, and after, for instance. Treat it as an energy output that is top priority - just never push beyond what your body is telling you.
Take care -
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Keebler
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LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT -- Informational Links set - for detail on how it works
DGL is absent Glycerrhizinic acid in licorice. Be aware that - for men [and maybe for women? as women also have some "male" hormones, too -- I wonder but what I've read did not discuss that] -
the Glycerrhizinic acid in regular licorice can affect, and in some cases may lower some male hormone levels. Again, though, this would not relate to DGL.
Still, when adrenal support helps calm the body, the body may "wise up" and decide not to engage in activity that is too stressful given the particulars of illness. That's might be one way to think about it.
The goal of any adrenal support is about BALANCING the body, giving it the food / nutrients so the body can rest, recover and better function. But all that is complicated with illness.
Or if DGL was to help your stomach lining, there are various other options here such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, etc. Just scroll to those links:
Many great links here for helping the gut -
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Keebler
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- You posted elsewhere in Jan. 2015: " . . . Chronic Lyme & Bartonella and I was recently diagnosed with Iron Deficiency Anemia . . . "
one reply was to also consider Babesia as it often causes anemia.
Are you being treated by an ILADS educated LLMD or LL ND? Or doing a direct approach with assertive treatment against the infections while also using good liver support ?
Just a rhetorical question. Treating the infections is so vital as is excellent liver and adrenal support. If you can't access a LLMD or LL ND, there are some other ways but it must be direct and assertive, with support.
And, yes, when infections are adequately addressed with good support - many who have gotten better report that libido does improve.
And, along the way, there are various ways to still enjoy all aspects of live - with creative adjustments. -
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Keebler
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Thanks Keebler. The loss of libido started when I began taking the DGL licorice. I've never experienced this symptom prior.
I'm pretty much better from Lyme and Bartonella, except for a couple of minor symptons, so I only need to see my LLMD a couple of times a year. The anemia was caused by an ulcer in my stomach that bleeds.
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Keebler
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- Glad to hear you are "pretty much better"
Well, any food, herb or Rx can affect two different people in different ways, too. And, even for the same person with the same results from a particular food, herb or Rx . . . those actions can also just change.
My guess is that the article about intimacy might have some suggestions that will then lead to more sparks. Yet, if it seems just off kilter you might ask your gynecologist about it and have them run a hormone test. -
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posted
Do you think my libido will eventually go back to normal with time, since I've stopped taking the supplement? I'm just scared that this might be permanent.
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posted
Licorice root lowers testosterone levels
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Keebler
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- but DGL is not the same thing as licorice root, DGL has that ingredient removes that lowers testosterone.
the Glycerrhizinic acid in regular licorice can affect, and in some cases may lower some male hormone levels. Again, though, this would not relate to DGL. -
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Keebler
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- Unless you had some kind of accident that would affect nerve fibers to the uro-genital region, parts of your spine or brain . . . or there might otherwise for other reasons be some nerve impingement
indeed . . . your libido will most surely shift. There are so many factors in libido, though, so if you are feeling good in general, have good energy and are not carrying heavy stress or gone through relationship issues of late . . .
I can assure you that you will become interested in intimacy again. Still, consider any Rx you are taking and if there might be any formula changes. Any sleep aids, etc. and alcohol use can depress libido, too.
Your gynecologist should have some more detail for you for various physiological matters. Hope the article above helps shift things along, too.
Our human bodies are very complex and you will find times all through your life where it just takes some patience. -
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Keebler
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- Myth: be careful not to get caught in how you think sex should be.
Seek: to illuminate the complex interplay between mind and body
as the writer below wishes an author had done in this book review that offers some important ways of looking at the sexuality.
. . . But the kind of oversimplification seen in Wolf’s book and, sadly, in many other popular accounts of neuroscience, threatens to perpetuate a psychological myth. Rather than illuminating the complex interplay between mind and body, it portrays human beings — especially women — as automatons, enslaved by brain chemicals we cannot control. . . .
I originally thought I damaged/desensitized myself because of excessive vibrator use. There was specifically a day in August when I felt like something was wrong down there while using my vibrator. I've been to the gynecologist about this and she didn't see any scar tissue or anything, so she said that I'm going to regain sensation again. But I'm able to have clitoral orgasms again, so my clitoral sensation is back (although orgasms aren't as good as before).
I've realized that the problem is that I'm not horny at all. I started the DGL Plus in the beginning of August, which was right before the problem when using my vibrator. Starting that supplement is the only thing in my healthcare regime that changed and, in hindsight, these problems started shortly after I started taking it.
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Keebler
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- A few years ago Huffington Post had an hour long program on exactly the issue you mention - damage from sexual activity. It was an excellent interview panel.
Just because your doctor did not see scar tissue "or anything" does not at all mean there was not nerve damage.
I have to stop now.
You might explore some websites for vulvodynia as starters about nerve damage -- and yes, nerves can heal but it can take a while. -
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Keebler
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Vulvodynia - you might find some answers here even if your matter is not exactly this -
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My clit has sensation again, so that isn't the problem. The problem is that I don't have any libido anymore, probably caused by the DGL Plus.
I was just curious if anyone else has experience with this and whether my libido will naturally just come back on its own, or if there is anything I can do to bring it back
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Keebler
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- Sexuality is not so much always about the mechanics.
Turn your attention to other matters of the sensory experience. Get out of the bedroom to explore other avenues - and take up dance (or attend a performance) . . . learn a musical instrument . . . go to art galleries . . . explore all your senses and the wonder of nature.
Get to know all kinds of new people who might be engaged in good activities of art, color, volunteering. Or a new creative hobby. Spend time with all kinds of people whom you love.
Anything you can do to get out and experience a full life will come around to nurture and nourish your spirit in all manners. -
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Keebler
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- Looking back over your recent posts, you say:
" . . . started the DGL Plus in the beginning of August, which was right before the problem when using my vibrator. Starting that supplement is the only thing in my healthcare regime that changed and, in hindsight, these problems started shortly after I started taking it. . . ." (end quote)
It sure sounds like the vibrator is the major variable here. And that you have some sensation issues still seem that maybe your body is just telling you to hold off for now so there can be better healing.
If you are not in a relationship, this might give you some time and energy for other sensory adventures. Sky diving? Roller blade adventures?
If you are in a relationship, this still could give you / two a chance for new dimensions. Really. -
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Catgirl
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If you do a coffee enema it will clean it out of your system. Coffee enemas increase libido for some. Me, I'm licorice shopping today!
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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bluelyme
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Lyme n bart really hit my nerves ..all over ... Regular licorice helped my blood pressure which helped things ... If you have a active ulcer it may be a unaddressed h pylori infection caused one ... be glad you have a libido and it will recover or get worse as aging does ..jk
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That was good information! I may want to slow down on my daily pot of licorice tea!
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