Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Testosterone for Women
If a woman’s sexual problems are biological rather than psychological, testosterone therapy may help.
Men may have grabbed the sexual spotlight with Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and erectile dysfunction (ED), but women are equally prone to have concerns about their sex lives. While there may not be a woman’s equivalent to Viagra, if you are concerned about sex, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Upwards of 43 percent of women report some degree of dissatisfaction with their sexual health -- and help is available.
Experts believe that in women, the physical aspect of desire is governed by the male sex hormone, testosterone. Men and women produce both sex hormones, though not in equal amounts. By menopause, a woman produces 50 percent as much testosterone as she did in her 20s. The loss of testosterone occurs gradually over many years and is unrelated to menopause; however, its impact on desire becomes most evident around menopause, when estrogen production drops off completely. Many experts believe that boosting women’s testosterone levels will improve their libido.
The International Journal of Impotence Research recently reviewed 12 trials comparing testosterone replacement with placebo iACn postmenopausal women taking estrogen and concluded that testosterone therapy stimulates sexual desire and improves sexual satisfaction. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has come to similar conclusions and recommends testosterone to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Currently, though, the only testosterone product approved by the FDA for women is Estratest, a combination of estrogen and methyltestosterone (a type of testosterone that can be taken orally). It is approved only to relieve hot flashes. Still, many doctors prescribe the treatment “off-label” -- outside of its FDA-approved use -- for low desire. Testosterone products approved for men also are sometimes prescribed off-label for women. Less commonly, doctors may use testosterone injections.
There are some safety concerns with long-term testosterone use. A large epidemiological study of postmenopausal women published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported an association between an increased risk of invasive breast cancer and the use of testosterone and estrogen. NAMS recommends women use testosterone along with estrogen, as it is used in most clinical trials, but that they use it for no more than six months.
Posted in Healthy Living on April 18, 2007
Reviewed June 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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Just get started once you get going you will get into it.
Posted by: sallie | April 13, 2011 6:24 AM
Blunt but that is what I have to do. Sorry not much on giving advice that's just what I have to do. Maybe not much help.
Posted by: sallie | April 13, 2011 6:27 AM
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It sure seems that there are more options available for men with sexual dysfunction than for women. Mine is from antidepressants. Any women out there that know about something that helps? I used to enjoy sex and I miss it, but the meds make me unable. (no drive) If anyone knows anything that helps I would sure appreciate it. Thanks, Pupply
Posted by: pupply | November 11, 2010 11:22 PM