Testosterone Therapy for Females: Comprehensive Insights Revealed

In the realm of women's health, testosterone therapy is emerging as a potential solution for a variety of concerns. This treatment, traditionally associated with men, is now being explored for its benefits in women, particularly during menopause.

Testosterone therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as vaginal dryness and discomfort, a common issue for many women. It can also boost energy levels, improve mood, and even aid in weight management.

However, it's important to note that testosterone therapy is not without temporary side effects. These may include acne, oily skin, increased facial hair growth, and skin changes. Other potential side effects include anger, rage, restlessness, sleep issues, hair changes, weight gain, lower mood, abnormal bleeding, and a theoretical risk of voice changes or clitoral enlargement.

In the UK, three testosterone therapies are available: Testogel, Tostran, and Androfeme. Testogel and Tostran are accessible on the NHS, while Androfeme is only available privately. A new testosterone patch (TEPI) is currently in the trial stages and, if approved, would provide women with additional options.

For women seeking more personalised dosing or smaller doses than the standard 5mg, bespoke testosterone creams are available privately. These creams are tailored to individual needs, eliminating the need for guesswork in dosing.

Testosterone therapy is clinically proven to help with a flagging libido in women, particularly when combined with 'regular' HRT (oestrogen and progesterone replacement). It is available on the NHS for women in late perimenopause or menopause who are distressed by a loss of sex drive and have a low libido or HSDD (hypo-active sexual desire disorder).

However, the long-term clinical evidence for the 'off-label' benefits of testosterone therapy, such as its use for fatigue and strength, is not yet available. The use of testosterone therapy for breast cancer patients should be discussed with an oncologist due to potential risks. Aromatase inhibitors can block the conversion of testosterone into oestrogen, potentially making testosterone therapy beneficial for breast cancer patients.

Regular monitoring via venous blood tests is crucial for testosterone therapy patients, but this can be difficult to obtain from the NHS. Fingerprick tests for testosterone levels are questionable in terms of methodology, validity, and accuracy.

Dr Fionnuala Barton, a leading figure in women's health, expresses excitement about the TEPI patch but anticipates a long wait for its availability. She suggests bespoke creams for women who want precise dosing, avoid 'guesstimating' doses, or require smaller doses than the standard 5mg.

In conclusion, testosterone therapy offers a promising new avenue for women seeking relief from symptoms associated with menopause and other conditions. While it's important to be aware of potential side effects and the current limitations in long-term clinical evidence, the benefits for some women in terms of libido, mood, outlook, energy, strength, sleep, and weight management are significant. As always, open dialogue with healthcare providers is key in making informed decisions about health treatments.