Testosterone

“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 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:

“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

TestosteroneWomen, 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

Midlife Libido

Is there an association between midlife and libido?

In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy the JH elaborate on:

“Low desire and low desire causing distress is very common especially for women around midlife. Some women seeking help from their doctors about their sexual function have low testosterone levels but the relationship between testosterone and libido is complex. Factors like age, mood, general wellbeing and sexual relationships need to be considered”.9

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”.10


What is FDA?

FDA can be an abbreviation for the (United States) Food and Drug Administration.

Postmenopause + HSDD

For postmenopausal women experiencing HSDD, may testosterone be a suitable treatment?

In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy the JH note:

“Research shows that testosterone therapy may be a suitable treatment for postmenopausal women who are experiencing a loss of sexual desire that is causing them personal distress. This condition is known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)”.11

In Testosterone for Women: Why Use Testosterone? the British Women’s Health Concern elaborate on:

“The current recommended reason is for persistent low sex drive (Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, HSDD) in women after all other possible factors, including taking adequate estrogen, have been addressed. Even with this indication, it does not help everyone. There is not enough evidence at the moment to recommend its use for low energy, low mood, fatigue or brain fog”.12

In Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause – Testosterone Therapy for Libido: How Is Testosterone Used? the JH explain:

“Low desire with distress in postmenopausal women (HSDD) is currently the only recommended use for testosterone, according to a 2019 statement from a group of menopause organisations and researchers worldwide. There is no evidence to support the use of testosterone in premenopausal women or for any other condition such as low mood, depression or osteoporosis”.13

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:

“Summary and Key Messages

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”.14

Testosterone Therapy In Women: A Clinical Challenge, 2021

What does the Conclusion include in International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Women?

The Conclusion in International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women published April 2021, includes:

“Conclusion

…Using established clinical guidance, such as the ISSWSH POC for the management of HSDD, the diagnosis should include a thorough biopsychosocial clinical assessment that leads to identification, modification, and management of contributing factors before testosterone therapy is considered. Before initiation of therapy, patients should receive informed consent, and shared decision-making should involve a comprehensive discussion of off-label use, as well as benefits and risks. …”.15

Testosterone and Low Libido Video

Is there a testosterone and low libido video?

Your Country may have Links similar to the International Menopause Society’s:

Testosterone and Low Libido Video

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 Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause – Testosterone Therapy for Libido: How Is Testosterone Used? 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”.16

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Testosterone?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Testosterone?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

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.

  1. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. BMS Comment on Channel 4 Programme: Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause
  3. Causes of Low Libido In Postmenopausal Women [Video]
  4. Coalition Issues International Consensus on Testosterone Treatment for Women
  5. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  6. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  7. EMAS Replay
  8. EMAS Replay: Risk Assessment for MHT – When, To Whom, Which, and How Long?
  9. Effects of Testosterone Therapy for Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
  10. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Premenopausal Women
  11. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  12. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  13. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  14. Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women
  15. HRT and Alternatives
  16. Hormone Help Desk: ET, EPT, and More: Androgen Therapy
  17. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  18. Index To Drug-Specific Information
  19. International Consensus on Testosterone Treatment for Women
  20. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  21. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  22. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  23. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Women
  24. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  25. Libido
  26. Libido and Testosterone Therapy – Podcast
  27. Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
  28. Low Sex Drive In Women
  29. Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment
  30. Low Testosterone Levels In Women Associated With Double the Risk of Cardiac Events
  31. Mayo Clinic Minute: Low Testosterone Levels Can Affect Men
  32. Menopause
  33. Menopause
  34. Menopause
  35. Menopause
  36. Menopause
  37. Menopause & Herbs
  38. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause: Q. Ever since my periods stopped, my desire for sex has decreased. Is this normal?
  39. Menopause Management
  40. Menopause Management: Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Testosterone
  41. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  42. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Testosterone
  43. Menopause Treatment
  44. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  45. TestosteroneMenopause and Sexuality
  46. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  47. Menopause: Hormones and Menopause What You Need To Know
  48. Menopause: Medicines To Help You
  49. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  50. Menopause: What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  51. Menopause: Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  52. Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health
  53. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  54. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What Consumers Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
  55. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  56. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  57. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
  60. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  61. #LetsDiscuss Libido and DesireNonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  62. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  63. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  64. Postmenopause
  65. Prescribing Testosterone and DHEA: The Role of Androgens In Women
  66. Radio 4 Woman’s Hour: HRT Shortages and Testosterone for Women [05 May 2022]
  67. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  68. Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone for Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trial Data
  69. Sex & Relationships: Libido At Menopause
  70. Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause
  71. Sex & Sexual Health
  72. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  73. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause: Hormones and Sexual Function – Testosterone
  74. Sexual Health: In-Depth – Testosterone Therapy – Potential Benefits and Risks As You Age
  75. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  76. Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  77. Testosterone Improves Libido, Quality of Life In Women With Low Sexual Desire
  78. Testosterone May Significantly Improve Sexual Function and Sexual Wellbeing In Postmenopausal Women
  79. Testosterone Replacement In Menopause
  80. Testosterone Therapy In Women: A Clinical Challenge
  81. Testosterone Therapy In Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?
  82. Testosterone Therapy for Women – Review Recently Published
  83. Testosterone for Women
  84. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Testosterone May Significantly Improve Sexual Function and Sexual Wellbeing In Postmenopausal Women
  85. The Menopause: Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After the Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  86. The Menopause: Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  87. The Menopause: Treating Menopause Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  88. Top Tips for Talking To Your Doctor
  89. Video Series-2021: Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
  90. Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
  91. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  92. Video Series-2021: What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  93. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  94. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  95. Webinars: Previous – Lessons From the Global Consensus on Testosterone for Women
  96. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  97. What Side Effects May Occur When Women Take Testosterone?
  98. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  99. Women’s Wellness: Libido Drug To Help Women With Low Sexual Desire [+ Video]
  100. 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

  1. Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause – Testosterone Therapy for Libido: How Is Testosterone Used? Last Updated: 16 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 03 May 2022
  2. 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: 03 May 2022
  3. 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: 03 May 2022
  4. 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: 03 May 2022
  5. Glossary of Terms: Testosterone. Content Updated: February 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/381-glossary-of-terms Accessed: 03 May 2022
  6. Menopause Glossary: T – Testosterone. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#T Accessed: 03 May 2022
  7. Testosterone Replacement In Menopause: 2. What Is Its Role In Women? Publication Date: February 2019. Review Date: February 2022. British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/ Accessed: 03 May 2022
  8. Can Testosterone Really Help Us? Testosterone and Women. 2019: 2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/patient-leaflet-testosterone-english.pdf Accessed: 03 May 2022
  9. Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 16 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido#managing-treating-low-libido Accessed: 03 May 2022
  10. Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment – Hormone Therapy. 24 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374561 Accessed: 03 May 2022
  11. Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 16 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido#managing-treating-low-libido Accessed: 03 May 2022
  12. Testosterone for Women: Why Use Testosterone? Written February 2022. British Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/testosterone-for-women/ Accessed: 03 May 2022
  13. Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause – Testosterone Therapy for Libido: How Is Testosterone Used? Last Updated: 16 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/sex#libido-at-menopause Accessed: 03 May 2022
  14. 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/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2019-09-02-global-consensus-testosterone-english.pdf Accessed: 03 May 2022
  15. Parish et al. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Women: Conclusion. 01 April 2021. https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30982-6/fulltext Accessed: 03 May 2022
  16. Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause – Testosterone Therapy for Libido: How Is Testosterone Used? Last Updated: 16 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 03 May 2022

Topic Last Updated: 09 May 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 May 2022
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