“If you are considering testosterone therapy, talk to your doctor to gain a clear understanding of what is currently known about this therapy”.1
Umbrella
What may the Testosterone Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Androgen
- Male Androgen Hormone
- Male Hormone
- Male Sex Hormone
- Testosterone
- Testosterone Therapy/Treatment
Androgens
What are androgens?
DotS the definition of androgens may vary. The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:
“Androgens – – Often called “male hormones,” androgens are also produced in the female body as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), among others, but in much lower quantities than in men. Insufficient androgen levels at any age are thought to contribute to fatigue, mood changes, and lowered sex drive”.2
Androgens and Menopause
Is there an association between androgens and menopause?
The NAMS also explain:
“There is no dramatic change in androgen levels at menopause; androgen production seems to be affected more by aging, although women who have their ovaries removed (surgical menopause) sometimes experience a sharper drop in their levels of testosterone. Interestingly, testosterone has been found to increase again in older women”.3
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
What is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?
DotS the definition of DHEA may vary. In Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products – DHEA the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s definition is:
- “Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a substance that’s naturally made in the body, where it’s converted into the hormones testosterone and estrogen. DHEA production decreases as people grow older, but the significance of this change, including whether it affects aging and menopause symptoms, is unclear”.4
Testosterone
What is testosterone?
DotS the definition of testosterone may vary. The Australian Menopause Society’s (AMS) definition is:
“Testosterone is the male sex hormone found in smaller amounts in women. In women, increased levels of testosterone can lead to acne and can cause unwanted facial or body hair (hirsuitism). Low levels of testosterone in women may contribute to loss of libido and sometimes low mood and energy”.5
The NAMS’s definition is:
“Testosterone. The male androgen hormone that is essential for sperm production and responsible for inducing and maintaining male secondary sex characteristics. In women, testosterone (partially produced by the ovaries) may regulate sexual desire and may also help maintain bone and muscle health”.6
Testosterone’s Role
In women, what is the role of testosterone?
In Testosterone Replacement In Menopause: 2. What Is Its Role In Women? the British Menopause Society (BMS) elaborate on:
“Testosterone contributes to libido, sexual arousal and orgasm by increasing dopamine levels in the central nervous system. Testosterone also maintains normal metabolic function, muscle and bone strength, urogenital health, mood and cognitive function”.7
Women, Testosterone and Aging
In women, is there an association between testosterone and aging?
On page two in the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife – Can Testosterone Really Help Us: Testosterone and Women [Multiply Languages], for World Menopause Day 2019 on 18 October 2019, the IMS elaborate on:
“Testosterone blood levels in women tend to peak during their 20s. This is followed by a gradual decline with age. By the time a woman reaches menopause, blood testosterone levels are about one quarter of what they were at their peak. However, after the age of 65-70 years, women have testosterone blood levels similar to those seen in young women”.8
Menopause Symptoms
Is there an association between testosterone and menopause symptoms?
In Testosterone for Women: Why Use Testosterone? the (British) Women’s Health Concern explain:
“A low dose of testosterone can sometimes be beneficial at improving your energy, mood, concentration and also sex drive (or libido). It does not help everyone”.9
Menopause Libido
In women, can testosterone help with menopause loss of libido?
In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) also note:
“Whether testosterone can help women with loss of libido continues to be debated”.10
In Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Hormone Therapy the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:
- “Testosterone. The male hormone testosterone plays an important role in female sexual function, even though testosterone occurs in much lower amounts in women. Testosterone isn’t approved by the FDA for sexual dysfunction in women, but sometimes it’s prescribed off-label to help lift a lagging libido. The use of testosterone in women is controversial. Taking it can cause acne, excess body hair, and mood or personality changes”.11
What is FDA?
FDA may be an abbreviation for the (United States) Food and Drug Administration.
In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy the JH also explain:
While some women seeking help from health professionals because they are concerned about their decreased sexual function do have low testosterone levels, researchers have concluded that the relationship between testosterone and libido is likely to be complex and you need to take into account age, mood, general wellbeing, sexual function and the risks of testosterone therapy also”.12
Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women, 2019
What is the conclusion of the Global Consensus Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women?
The conclusion on page five in the first Global Consensus Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women – endorsed by 11 menopause-related organizations – published online 02 September 2019, is:
The international panel concluded the only evidence-based indication for testosterone therapy for women is for the treatment of HSDD, with available data supporting a moderate therapeutic effect, in postmenopausal women. There are insufficient data to support the use of testosterone for the treatment of any other symptom or clinical condition, or for disease prevention”.13
What is HSDD?
HSDD can be an abbreviation for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder/Dysfunction.
In International Consensus on Testosterone Treatment for Women the JH explain:
“They concluded that testosterone can be effective at improving sexual wellbeing for postmenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD). Recognised benefits included improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and pleasure, together with reduced concerns and distress about sex”.14
Health Care Provider
What if I am considering testosterone therapy?
If you are considering testosterone therapy, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
In Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of Testosterone Therapy? the JH elaborate on:
“If you are considering testosterone therapy, talk to your doctor to gain a clear understanding of what is currently known about this therapy. It is essential for women undergoing testosterone treatment to be supervised by doctors who are experts in this area”.15
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Testosterone?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Testosterone?
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Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.#LetsDiscuss Libido and Desire
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Coalition Issues International Consensus on Testosterone Treatment for Women
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
- Effects of Testosterone Therapy for Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
- FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Premenopausal Women
- Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women
- HRT and Alternatives
- Hormone Help Desk: ET, EPT, and More: Androgen Therapy
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Index To Drug-Specific Information
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
- International Consensus on Testosterone Treatment for Women
- Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
- Lessons From the Global Consensus on Testosterone for Women
- Libido
- Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy
- Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
- Low Sex Drive In Women
- Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Low Testosterone Levels Can Affect Men
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause Management
- Menopause Management: Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Testosterone
Menopause Treatment
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause and Sexuality
- Menopause and Women’s Health In Later Life
- Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Libido, Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Problems and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What Consumers Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- New! Guide To Sexual Health Providers
- New! How To Build A Positive Sexual Health Team
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of the North American Menopause Society
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
- Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone for Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trial Data
- Safety of Natural Therapies
- Sex & Relationships: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life [Video]
- Sex & Relationships: Libido At Menopause
- Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause
- Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
- Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
- Sexual Health
- Sexual Health: In-Depth – Testosterone Therapy – Potential Benefits and Risks As You Age
- Statement on Improving Adverse Event Reporting of Compounded Drugs To Protect Patients
- Talking With Your Doctor: Tips on Discussing Sensitive Topics With Your Doctor
- Testosterone Case Study
- Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Testosterone Improves Libido, Quality of Life In Women With Low Sexual Desire
- Testosterone Information
- Testosterone May Significantly Improve Sexual Function and Sexual Wellbeing In Postmenopausal Women
- Testosterone Replacement In Menopause
- Testosterone Therapy In Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?
- Testosterone Therapy for Women – Review Recently Published
- Testosterone Treatments
- Testosterone and Androgens
- Testosterone for Women
- The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Testosterone May Significantly Improve Sexual Function and Sexual Wellbeing In Postmenopausal Women
- Top Tips for Talking To Your Doctor
- Truth About Testosterone Therapy
- Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
- Video Series-2019 – Treatment Options for Arousal and Orgasm Issues
- Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
- Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- What You Should Know About Testosterone for Midlife Women With Sexual Problems
- Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
- Women’s Wellness: Libido Drug To Help Women With Low Sexual Desire
- World Menopause Day 2018: Patient Information Leaflet – Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]
World Menopause Day 2019: Patient Information Leaflet – Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of Testosterone Therapy? Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Hormone Therapy Help Desk: ET, EPT, and More: Androgens. North American Menopause https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/hormone-help-desk-et-ept-and-more Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Hormone Therapy Help Desk: ET, EPT, and More: Androgens. North American Menopause https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/hormone-help-desk-et-ept-and-more Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products – DHEA. Last Updated: May 2017. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/menopausal-symptoms-in-depth Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Glossary of Terms: Testosterone. Content Updated: January 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/381-glossary-of-terms Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Menopause Glossary: T – Testosterone. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#T Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Testosterone Replacement In Menopause: 2. What Is Its Role In Women? Publication Date: February 2019. British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/ Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Can Testosterone Really Help Us? Testosterone and Women. 2019: 2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/manage/images/pdf/78e24553f13524bfe91f37c2d0410824.pdf Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Testosterone for Women: Why Use Testosterone? Written: February 2019. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/testosterone-for-women/ Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Topic Updated: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment – Hormone Therapy. 17 December 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374561 Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 17 November 2020 | Topic Updated: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Davis, S. R., Baber, R., Panay, N., Bitzer, J., Perez, S. C., Islam, R. S., Kaunitz, A. M., Kingsberg, S. A., Lambrinoudaki, I., Liu, J., Parish, S. J., Pinkerton, JA., Rymer, J., Simon, J. A., Vignozzi, L., and Wierman, M. E. Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. Climacteric, 2019;19:4:314 https://www.imsociety.org/manage/images/pdf/4826803e84883e0c4fdb4480f36c88f9.pdf Accessed: 18 February 2021
- International Consensus on Testosterone Treatment for Women. 02 September 2019. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/news/international-consensus-on-testosterone-treatment-for-women Accessed: 18 February 2021
- Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of Testosterone Therapy? Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 18 February 2021