Following years of debate regarding testosterone therapy for women, there is agreement among experts and medical societies about how testosterone could be prescribed for women.
According to the position statement by an international task force of experts from leading medical societies, brought together by the International Menopause Society (IMS) and published in four international medical journals this week, testosterone treatment can be effective at improving sexual wellbeing for postmenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD), a condition that is characterised as a lack or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity.
The statement says recognised benefits include improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and pleasure, together with reduced concerns and distress about sex.
Authored by a diverse team of leading experts based around the world, the statement has been endorsed by internationally esteemed medical societies and provides clear guidance regarding the prescribing and measurement of testosterone for female testosterone therapy as well as advice on testosterone prescribing practices that have the potential to be ineffectual or cause harm.
President of the International Menopause Society, Professor Susan Davis, said “This position statement has far reaching global consequences. It not only reassures clinicians that a trial of testosterone therapy is appropriate for women with HSDD, but very emphatically states that, at present, the available evidence does not support the use of testosterone for any other symptoms or medical condition.
“I am very proud that the IMS has led on the development of this crucial medical guidance”.
The international panel is now calling on industry, researchers, and funding organisations to recognise the need for further research into testosterone therapy for women of all ages, and the development and licensing of products formulated specifically for women.
