Testosterone with estrogen

Testosterone is a noteworthy hormone that contributes to sexual function. Bilateral oophorectomy lowers the amount of free testosterone by fifty percent and this is strongly linked to reduced sexual function. Dearth of testosterone during menopause could lead to osteoporosis, muscle waste, sapped energy levels, depressive tendencies, lowered libido consequentially leading to FSD.

Regrettably, presently available hormone blood tests are imprecise for testosterone and there is no concurrence regarding what the normal levels of testosterone must be in relation to age. Nonetheless, a testosterone blood level must be conducted before commencing on any testosterone therapy to avert any possibility of inappropriate treatment on those women having normal to high ranging testosterone levels and that ongoing supervision must occur.

Testosterone employed alongside oestrogen has been proven to uplift mood, energy levels, stimulation, sensitivity, arousal and orgasm. Latest studies have demonstrated enhancements in sexual functioning among women with intact ovaries as well as women that have undergone oophorectomy.

The usage of testosterone treatment continues to be a debatable issue and has no registration under FDA for the usage in FSD treatment. The European Regulatory Authority during July 2006 gave approval to the 300micrograms patch for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder amongst menopausal women having undergone surgeries like bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy on concurrent oestrogen.

It is advisable that serum testosterone levels must be analysed on a quarterly basis, to retain within physiological levels including SHBG, total testosterone and albumen. The associated side effects comprise of hair growth, alopecia, acne or skin eruptions, hoarsening or deepening of the voice and adverse lipid profile.

The doctor would recommend a re-examination at an interval of six weeks following start of testosterone and then half-yearly interval thereafter. The treatment must be halted if there is no noticeable improvement in sexual function following six months of treatment. There is still dearth of long-standing safety information and the patients must be educated in regards to this and the probable side effects.

The role of DHEA or DHEAS

Presently, there is little efficiency or safety information that backs the usage of DHEA or DHEAS for sexual problems.

Testosterone treatment option is availed only when sexual dysfunction does not show improvement with oestrogen treatment. The patient must be adequately counselled regarding its risk elements, side effects and dearth of long-standing data.

The patients must be explained that there is no ‘gold standard treatment’ for sexual problems as they are complex in nature and the drugs might not be as effective as expected.

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