(42) Life after Breast Cancer

Can alternative and complementary medicine improve my sex life?

Some women have tried many nonconventional sexual enhancers and therapies in order to facilitate treatment for sexual function complaints and arousal disorders. Many products claim to improve sexual function, and some alternative therapies may contain dangerous ingredients and serious side effects and can interfere with prescription medications. Most of these products have not been adequately studied for safety with respect to breast cancer patients. Discuss all supplements with your oncological health care team before taking any herbs or supplements.

Some studies show that a low level (50 mg/day) of dehydroepiandroster (DHEA) can improve the frequency of sexual thoughts, sexual interest, sexual satisfaction, and libido. It can also act like a hormone. This can increase androgens, decrease high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and decrease sex hormone binding globulin, and high levels of DHEA are correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These products are not monitored by the FDA, and label claims may not accurately reflect the actual DHEA content in the product. The safety of this product has not been adequately studied in breast cancer patients; thus, be sure to discuss this product with their healthcare provider before trying it.

Avlimil is an herbal 756 mg/day supplemental tablet consisting of sage leaf, red raspberry leaf, capsicum pepper, licorice root, bayberry fruit, damiana leaf, valeriana root, ginger root, black cohosh root, isoflavones, kudzu root extract, and red clover extract (see www.avlimil.com). Sage, kudzu, red clover licorice and black cohosh are known to have estrogenic effects and were used in the past for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes and other symptoms.

Damiana leaf has been said to act as an aphrodisiac, but no scientific data support this claim. The product package insert states that it is a nonsynthetic, nonhormonal supplement that does not contain estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or steroid hormones; however, the fine print of the labeling states that “if estrogen levels are low, isoflavones are reported to act as ‘weak estrogens.’ ” Avlimil is presumed to increase sexual satisfaction by increasing genital pelvic blood flow and promoting relaxation. A small, unpublished trial of fewer than 50 women claims a positive effect on female sexual response. Side effects can include headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and stomach upset.

Xzite is a daily dietary supplement that claims to stimulate the brain centrally at the level of the medulla oblongata, facilitating elevated mood and increased blood flow to the female genital pelvis. Its ingredients include ligusticum, acathopanax, and chrysanthemum. One unpublished study showed improvement in vaginal lubrication, clitoral sensation, orgasmic satisfaction, and sexual desire. Arginmax (www.arginmax.com) is a daily supplement that claims to enhance a woman’s sexual response by promoting genital pelvic blood flow and relaxation. It is a blend of l-arginine, Korean ginseng, ginkgo biloba, damiana, calcium, iron, and 14 vitamins. The product claims to increase smooth muscular relaxation, promote vascular dilation, and enhance clitoral engorgement and vaginal lubrication. One very small published study showed an improvement in sexual desire, clitoral sensation, and frequency of orgasms, satisfaction, and increased frequency of sexual intercourse. This product is not adequately studied for safety in the breast cancer population.

Libidol is another daily supplement that consists of sage leaf, red raspberry leaf, kudzu root extract, red clover extract, capsicum pepper, licorice root, bayberry fruit, damiana leaf, valerian root, ginger root, black cohosh root, l-arginine, horny goat weed, and wild oats. Its claims of improving female sexual dysfunction have not been scientifically proven. Other neutriceuticals and botanicals include avena sativa, catuaba, St. Johns wort, red sage, angus castus, bethroot, calendula, black cohosh, burdock, dong quai, deer antler, eurycoma longifolic, chaste berry, comfrey, fenugreek, evening primrose oil, fennel, licorice root, red clover, raspberry leaf, ginger, horny goat weed, rhino horn, royal jelly, saw palmetto, wild yam zinc, koala nut, maca, and ginseng.

Another interesting supplement is called Hot Plants. It is a compilation of a variety of herbs that have been known in ancient civilizations to improve sexuality and sexual wellness in women. It too has not been studied for effectiveness or safety in women who have had breast cancer.

Does diet or nutrition improve sexual function?

Although patients try many different foods, such as chocolate, ginseng, oysters, and popular sex-enhancing diets, to facilitate improved sexual function, none has been shown in randomized clinical trials to be beneficial for correcting female sexual complaints.

Some of the more popular diets include the following:

The Orgasmic Diet includes • avoidance of antidepressants, coffee, tea, caffeine, soft drinks, cigarettes, herbal stimulants, ginkgo, and ginseng. It also adds a multivitamin with vitamin E (400 mg), vitamin C, 6-g fish oil (omega-3), calcium (100 mg), magnesium (400 mg), zinc (15 mg), and slow-release iron. Women are encouraged to maintain a low-carbohydrate diet, perform Kegel pelvic exercises, and consume one ounce of dark chocolate daily.

• The Testosterone Diet consists of nuts, olive oil, canola oil, peanut butter, turnips, broccoli, cabbage, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, radishes, collard greens, watercress, and bok choy. Avoid all alcohol, and maintain good sleep patterns and regular aerobic exercise.

• The Gladiator Diet includes weight-lifting exercise and a diet void of alcohol, sweets, and processed foods while ingesting a balanced diet consisting of 33% each of calories from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Aphrodisiacs have been heralded since ancient times as a way to enhance sexual performance and improve desire; however, scientific and medical data are lacking.

Some of the more commonly accepted food aphrodisiacs include oysters, lobster, mussels, horseradish, lettuce, carrots, celery, caffeine, mustard seeds, radishes, wine, champagne, truffles, and spices (nutmeg, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, coriander, basil, clover, cardamom, and honey).

Chocolate is often associated with romance, apology, and seductive gifts. It does contain biogenic amines, tyramine, phenylethamine (the so-called love drug), methylxanthines, and cannabinoid-like fatty acids. Chocolate is also thought to enhance or promote sensuality and improve sexual function or virility. Unfortunately, a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine failed to find an association between the consumption of chocolate and sexual function.

Although not linked to improved sexual function, the new and innovative supplement Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Juice Plus Garden Blend have been gaining popularity in the breast cancer population. They have been researched extensively, and many researchers claim that they have excellent medical and antioxidant properties.

These supplements are advocated for many medical reasons, including reducing inflammation, fighting obesity, improving cholesterol, fighting cancers, and preventing breast cancer or its reoccurrence. For further information, contact your oncological health care provider.

What is Zestra Essential Arousal Oil?

Zestra® Essential Arousal Oils™ is a topically-applied, patented blend of botanical oils and extracts that is clinically proven to improve desire, arousal, and satisfaction for 70% of women. The active ingredients are natural and include Zestra’s unique formulation of PA-free borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, angelica Extract, coleus forskholii extract as well as theobromine, and the antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Zestra’s botanical ingredients work together to safely and effectively enhance female sexual pleasure, sensation, sensitivity, and satisfaction.

The author’s clinical experience finds that Zestra helps many women achieve sexual wellness, increased arousal, and overall sexual and sensual satisfaction. The use of Zestra results in increased clitoral and vaginal warmth, heightened arousal, and increased sexual pleasure in selected women.

Zestra’s safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated in two clinical studies, both published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy in 2003 and 2010. The first study, a small clinical trial involved 20 women-10 of the women in the study had sexual concerns and difficulties and 10 did not. Most of the women (with or without sexual concerns or difficulties) experienced benefits from Zetsra. The 2nd larger study with 256 women supported the earlier findings. The larger study included women in a range of ages and life stages, reflecting a variety of sexual difficulties and medical histories, including women on anti-depressants and in various stages of menopause.

Zestra worked equally well for women regardless of their medical history, medication usage or menopausal status. The author has had clinical success using Zestra with cancer patients and those in treatment. The ongoing use seems to have a positive affect on sensation. Zestra can increase vaginal and clitoral warmth for up to 30 to 45 minutes after a single application, facilitating sexual arousal and ultimately leading to increased pleasure. Mild genital burning has been reported. Borage and evening primrose oils can be metabolized in the skin to increase blood flow and nerve conduction. Semprea Laboratory which owns and distributes the product has coined the term the Zestra Rush! The authors have submitted a case abstract of breast cancer survivors who have had success with this product to an international sexual medicine society; more exciting news about this product is forthcoming! For more information go to www.zestra.com

Terms:

High-density lipoproteins (HDL ) – A complex of lipids and proteins in approximately equal amounts that functions as a transporter of cholesterol within the bloodstream.

Aphrodisiac – A substance believed to improve or enhance sexual function or pleasure. Some think it may stimulate feelings of love, intimacy, or desire.

Medulla Oblongata – An area of the brain.

Kegel pelvic exercise – Exercise designed to increase muscle strength and elasticity in the pelvis. It may be recommended in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Discuss all supplements with your oncological health care team before taking any herbs or supplements