It is called DHEA and a small study finds this hormone secreted by the adrenal glands may be helpful to middle-aged women.
Italian researchers claim it works on menopausal symptoms including low sex drive.
Doctors are now calling for tests to determine whether it could eventually become an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers studying 48 women say this is the first robust evidence that low doses of DHEA can help sexual function and symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
The results are in the journal of the International Menopause Society.
But, there is a call for larger studies to confirm this hormone is safe and effective.
