Yohimbine for Women Effects, Uses, Results and Safety

Yohimbine is an herbal extract from the Yohimbe tree, which has been found to have benefits for female sex drive, weight loss and energy levels.

Women most commonly take Yohimbine supplements to boost libido, sexual enjoyment and performance. It has been shown to increase blood flow to the libido, which can improve sensitivity to touch and ability to achieve an orgasm.

This supplement is also commonly taken for its fat loss effect. According to some experts, Yohimbine is more effective for fat loss in women compared to men, due to its effects on fat storage receptors and hormone levels.

While Yohimbine is widely used by women, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Some women can experience serious side effects from taking this supplement, especially at high dosages.

Yohimbine

Herbal Supplement

Weight Loss

Energy

Libido

How It Works:

• Helps promote fat loss
• Increases energy & suppresses appetite
• Promotes sex drive & performance

Dosage:

Between 5-50 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

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Yohimbine Supplement Overview

Although related, yohimbe bark extract, yohimbine hydrochloride and yohimbine should not be used interchangeably.

Yohimbine describes the indole alkaloid existing in the bark of the yohimbe tree while yohimbine hydrochloride is a synthetic standardized formulation of this alkaloid available in the U.S. by prescription only.

Yohimbe bark extract is the ingredient found in non-prescription dietary supplements claiming to relieve erectile dysfunction in men and low libido in women.

Widely accepted and used in Africa as a powerful aphrodisiac, yohimbe bark extract has yet to be studied comprehensively in controlled clinical trials. Consequently, its medicinal use and some of its purported health benefits have not yet been demonstrated in research studies. [3]

Yohimbine HCL for Women’s Libido

How does yohimbine work for women and what are its effects? This supplement is a sympatholytic agent, which causes blood vessels to dilate and increases peripheral blood flow.

It works by blocking pre-synaptic alpha-2-adrenergic receptors. The result is increased blood circulation to female genitals, which is believed to improve sexual enjoyment and boost the libido.

As a result, it is sometimes used to correct symptoms of low libido – particularly when caused by the use of SSRIs or other medications.

Results of studies on the effectiveness of Yohimbine HCL for female libido issues arising from antidepressant use or menopause offer conflicting data.

In one study, plasma concentration measurements were taken of women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual response.

After taking yohimbine for a specified time, women showed “slightly reduced plasma MHPG values” but did not experience improved sexual desire.

Researchers concluded that women in the study had “no therapeutic response” to yohimbine. [6]

Another study explored the hypothesis that yohimbine increases production of nitric oxide in women similar to how it increases nitric oxide levels in men for relief of erectile dysfunction.

Women subjects in this study took a combination of six milligrams of yohimbine and six milligrams of arginine glutamate, waited one hour and then were put through a series of tests designed to evaluate sexual response.

Results included “statistically significant increases in vaginal pulse amplitude” and “improved subjective responses to erotic stimuli”. [7]

Yohimbine for Weight Loss in Women

Another popular reason for women to take Yohimbine supplements is to promote weight loss results. Female bodybuilders often use this supplement in their cutting cycles so they can reduce their body fat percentage quickly.

Yohimbine, the alkaloid in the bark of the Yohimbe tree, has been shown to stimulate the central nervous system and promote release of lipids from fat cells.

Claims made indicating that pure yohimbine supplements may help people lose weight by reducing appetite, increasing metabolism and expediting fat burning are supported by mixed research results.

One study found that women taking five milligrams of a yohimbine supplement four times daily and following a weight-loss diet lost significantly more weight than the placebo group.

Alternately, another study involving women taking 18 milligrams of yohimbine each day for two months did not find a weight loss difference between the placebo group and the yohimbine group. [8]

Yohimbine Dosage for Women

Subjects participating in yohimbine clinical trials were given five to 100 milligrams daily for two to eight weeks. [1] Higher dosages are associated with an increase risk of adverse effects.

Based on the few research studies designed to investigate yohimbine effects on females, the recommended dosage is four to six milligrams of yohimbine HCL, three to four times a day.

Physicians prescribe between five and six milligrams to men with erectile dysfunction and normally prescribe this amount to women for increasing libido.

Women may require smaller dosages than men. Some experience more side effects when using high dosages compared to their male counterparts.

Yohimbine and yohimbine HCL should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. [9] Check with a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

Is Yohimbine Safe for Women

When used by healthy female adults in recommended dosages established by their physician, Yohimbine is usually well tolerated and presents minimal, often transitory side effects.

However, it may not be safe for all individuals and some women experience Yohimbine side effects even at recommended dosage levels.

Yohimbine may produce one or more of the following side effects in women: [4], [5]

• Stimulation of salivary glands and increased salivation (may be helpful for women suffering chronic dry mouth)
• Reduced blood pressure
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Sedation
• Enhanced sexual response

Contraindications for Yohimbine Use

Yohimbine HCL and yohimbe extract supplements should not be taken by women using: [10]

• Antianxiety drugs (e.g. benzodiazepines) and antidepressants. Yohimbine may increase severity of side effects.
• Medications for reducing high blood pressure. Yohimbine may interfere with the effectiveness of anti-hypertensives.
• Opioid pain killers. Yohimbine may interact negatively with prescription pain killers by causing severe anxiety and withdrawal-like symptoms.

Until more studies have been completed, yohimbine should not be taken by nursing or pregnant women.

Also, since this supplement tends to increase blood circulation while stimulating nearly all areas of the central nervous system, people taking blood thinners or suffering kidney, liver or cardiovascular disease should not take yohimbine without first consulting with their doctor.

Should Women Take Yohimbine for Sexual Dysfunction?

According to the U.S. FDA, “any product claiming to increase or arouse sexual desire…is an aphrodisiac drug product (this includes yohimbine). Lack of data establishing the effectiveness and safety of [yohimbe] as an aphrodisiac drug are…unsupported by adequate scientific data”. [11]

However, studies examining the efficacy of yohimbine for treating or improving health conditions is ongoing and of increasing interest to the pharmacological and alternative medicine industry.

Yohimbine reviews for women are limited on the Internet, with most reviews coming from men who are taking this supplement for erectile dysfunction.

However, some women have cited benefits from the use of Yohimbe products for sexual function and libido. Check with your doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you and how safely take Yohimbine if you are a woman.

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