Testosterone Patches in Clinical Trials for Release in Australia: Can This Boost Libido in Menopausal Women?

Finally science is trying to help menopausal women find their libido again!

Scientists in the United Kingdom are trialing a testosterone patch to improve the libido for women in perimenopause and menopause. And these patches are currently in clinical trials for release in Australia! Here is everything you need to know about testosterone patches.

Professor David Haddleton at the University of Warwick said about the clinical trials:

"This is a very exciting development for us - the potential of this technology to improve women's lives is huge. The work we're doing at Medherant and at Warwick (sic University) isn't just theoretical, but instead aimed at a problem women are facing which can drastically affect their everyday lives and jobs."

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder affects up to 32% of women who have reached menopausal age. The disorder is defined as 'Low libido in women which causes distress'. It is this disorder that Warwick University hopes to treat with testosterone patches.

Why Testosterone Patches?

Testosterone is typically associated with big muscly men at the gym. But even though testosterone is a male hormone, all women produce testosterone too (just like all men also produce estrogen). This sex hormone is produced in our ovaries and adrenal glands and testosterone influences our body via:

• Assisting in the growth and repair of the reproductive tissues
• Moderating Mood
• Affects Energy Levels
• Increases Sex Drive
• Keeps our bones healthy
• Promotes Cognitive Health

The theory is that increasing a woman's levels of testosterone will restore our libido and improve our relationships.

Factors that Contribute to the Lack of Sexual Desire

Sexual desire is very complicated and multi-faceted. Libido is biological, psychological and is also affected by social-cultural influences. A woman's libido can be affected by the following:

• Anxiety and Mental Health Disorders
• Over-use of alcohol and drugs
• Medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid
• Life circumstances
• Tiredness, Exhaustion
• Medication such as anti-depressants
• Weight Gain
• Advancing Age
• Hormonal issues
• Contraception

What Are Testosterone Patches?

Testosterone patches are used to improve a woman's libido. The transdermal patches contain a controlled amount of hormone that attempt to make up for the deficiency in the body. The patches are applied to dry areas of the skin on the back, stomach, thighs or upper arms. The patches come in a variety of strengths, but most postmenopausal women are prescribed a standard dose of 150 micrograms twice weekly.

Testosterone Patch Side Effects

Some of the reported side effects of the testosterone patches include:

• Redness or swelling at the site of the patch
• Sore or swollen breasts
• Adult Acne
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Voice hoarseness

Where Can I Buy Testosterone Patches?

Testosterone patches are only available via a prescription from your Doctor, who will schedule regular checkups to monitor your treatment. Testosterone patches are not widely prescribed for women's libido in Australia at this time, as clinical trials are still in progress. But stay tuned for news!

Sources:

• The Guardian
• Monash University
• Forbes
• The Indenpendent.co.uk
• Everyday Health.com
• Clinical Trials.gov
• University of Warwick.ac.uk

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