Q. You often write about impotence or reduced sex drive in men, but what about those of us who suffer the opposite problem?
I have always had an abnormally high sex drive, and believe me, this is not fun. It interferes with my ability to concentrate on my daily work. My tendency to become quickly aroused is a source of torment and distorts my relations with women. It is difficult to feel tenderness and warmth with your partner when your only desire is for sexual gratification.
I’m tired of living with this problem. Is there an over-the-counter drug that would reduce my hormone levels and overactive libido?
A. Although some men might think they’d want to trade places with you, your situation is distressing.
What About Saltpeter?
There are no nonprescription drugs to alter your hormonal level or dampen your desires. Although saltpeter (sodium nitrate) is available over the counter and has the reputation of weakening sexual interest, it is not effective. The mythology around saltpeter (potassium nitrate) goes back decades. Here are some links to counteract the saltpeter myths:
Did Mom Sabotage Son’s Sex Life?
Is Wife Poisoning Husband With Saltpeter?
Seeking Ways to Suppress Sex Drive
Estrogen as a Libido Suppressant?
Urologists sometimes prescribe estrogen after surgery to prevent erections that might be dangerous. This female hormone may also suppress libido. It probably should not be used for long periods of time, however, as it has side effects. It can lead to enlarged and tender breasts as well as an increased risk of blood clots and heart attack. Another female hormone, progesterone, can also lower libido, but it too has a number of undesirable side effects.
Many medications have been reported to reduce sexual ability and desire, including antidepressants and beta blocker heart medicine such as atenolol and propranolol. We do not recommend such a tactic, though.
Counseling Options
Rather than resorting to antidepressants, beta blocker heart medicines or some other prescription drug with side effects, we recommend you seek counseling.
Mental health experts now recognize that “sex addicts” deserve special treatment. Your best bet is to find a professional experienced in treating this type of disorder.
You may also want to consider spearmint tea. We have heard from a number of women who have also complained about an overactive libido that such a tea can be somewhat helpful. Research suggests that spearmint lowers testosterone levels. Here are some stories to consider:
“I had an overactive libido caused I believe by excess testosterone. I fixed it by drinking spearmint tea morning and night for a few weeks until the problem disappeared. You can check the health food store or grocery store. Some health food stores have loose spearmint you can bag yourself as well as already bagged tea. Latino stores also sell loose yerba buena pre packaged. It is inexpensive.
“I hope others aren’t also suffering from the terrible mood and depression I had with elevated testosterone.” Jane
“The spearmint tea truly does work to decrease sex drive. As a female with a previously high sex drive I’ve been greatly relieved to find out it works. It has brought more harmony to my marriage and has made my life less miserable.
“It does have to be ingested for a few weeks before it starts taking effect. Please post my comment for others who are seeking the same result (there are lots of people out there seeking a solution for high sex drive).” L.A.C.
