Most women struggle to keep their hormones in balance during their lives—to prevent PMS, to bring more harmony during perimenopause and beyond, and even during their teenage years to make that period easier to deal with emotionally.

But did you know that environmental toxins, hormone-disrupting chemicals and the added stress of modern life have made this job substantially harder in recent years?

Luckily, there are now some fantastic herbs available to help with the challenge.

1. Ashwagandha
This Ayurvedic herb has been shown to reduce stress hormones and stimulate blood flow to the female reproductive organs. It can increase arousal and sensitivity, which can be very useful as the years pass by. It has also been found that ashwagandha can help with the hot flashes, depression, and anxiety associated with menopause.

2. Catuaba Bark
The Tupi Indians of Brazil were the ones that discovered Catuaba and its enormous benefits first. This libido enhancer contains yohimbine, an aphrodisiac, and stimulant. Consider this herb if you’re looking for a mood-boosting, central nervous system stimulant that could make for a significant lift in your romantic life.

3. Avena Sativa
Avena sativa is the scientific name for oats, but generations of women swear by it as a libido enhancing, menstrual cramp alleviating aphrodisiac. It is believed that avena sativa increases blood flow, stimulates the central nervous system and frees bound testosterone, increasing sexual desire on a number of fronts.

4. Muira Puama
European explorers termed this herb “potency wood” when they brought it back from the New World. It is known to increase the level of satisfaction experienced during intercourse, increase sexual desire and increase orgasm intensity, as well as calm the nerves and relieve anxiety.

5. Maca
Maca, or Peruvian Ginseng, has been used by the indigenous people of the Andes region since time immemorial. It is known to support fertility, help with sexual dysfunction, reduce hot flashes and provide a wide range of nutrients.

6. Suma
This Amazon-sourced aphrodisiac is commonly used to boost mood, encourage reproductive health and increase estradiol-17 beta, a type of estrogen whose levels usually decline naturally during menopause, causing a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms.

7. Shilajit
Shilajit is a strange but highly-revered tonic herb used principally within Asia. It is formed when organic plant materials are compressed in the Himalayas and they are left for a very long time to develop into shilajit. It is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids, and can help lift your mood, stimulate your general health and alleviate anxiety, as well as increase physical energy and sexual drive.

I recommend consulting with someone who is trained in the use of herbs before beginning an herbal support program. Herbs are very powerful and need to be taken appropriately.

Remember that herbs can be tried before you embark on a hormone replacement program as often, you’ll feel better and won’t require the hormones.

If you’ve tried herbs and you’re still needing additional support, seek the help of an integrative or functional medicine provider to have your hormones checked and get assistance with lifestyle modifications.