Videos of Dr Nikki Ramskill
Using testosterone in the perimenopause and beyond
Description:
Did you think testosterone was just a male hormone?! Testosterone is an important hormone that is partially made by your ovaries and production of this hormone falls over time (not. as sharply as oestrogen, but it does gradually declined). This fall in testosterone can lead to a lack of energy, brain fog and reduced libido (sex drive). Unfortunately it is not currently licensed to women in the UK, but it is prescribed by many menopause experts and some GPs (like me!), as it has many potential benefits. Many people think of it as a ‘male’ hormone which is true, but women produce testosterone too. In fact, women produce three times as much testosterone than oestrogen before the menopause. https://balance-menopause.com/uploads/2022/01/Testosterone.pdf Testosterone plays an important role for your muscle and bone health, your cardiovascular health, concentration, mental "sharpness", your overall energy levels and quality of sleep. The hormone also influences your level of interest in sex, and the amount of pleasure you feel from it. When your levels of testosterone reduce, you may find that you desire sex less often and when you do have sex, it’s not as enjoyable as it used to be, (even when you still desire and love your partner). Many women find that taking testosterone as part of their HRT provides further improvements in how they feel. Benefits could include: Improved energy and stamina, Improved muscle mass and strength, improved concentration, improved libido and better quality sleep. Current BMS guidelines only recommend testosterone if you have severely reduced libido or ‘Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder’. So not all menopause trained doctors would consider prescribing this if libido isn't a problem for you. Once you're established on HRT, testosterone could then be considered. Testosterone is usually given as a cream or gel which you rub into your skin like a moisturiser, and it then becomes absorbed directly into your bloodstream. AndroFeme® is the only licensed version for women and it needs to be imported from Australia. Testogel sachets and Testim gels are made for men but can be safely used in lower doses for women. It should be rubbed onto clean, dry skin on your upper outer thigh or buttocks, it usually takes about 30 seconds to dry and can sometimes leave a white residue behind - this is harmless and not a cause for concern. You should wash your hands thoroughly after using it. Avoid swimming or showering until around 30 minutes after application. It can sometimes take a few months for the full effects of testosterone to work in your body. You should have a blood test before you start to check your testosterone levels and then again after around 3 months, then 6 months, then annually if it remains stable. Think also about your vaginal and vulval health and make sure you have treatment for this too. Vaginal oestrogen can work really well, as can regular moisturising and using oil/water-based lubricants regularly. If this is something you would like to try, I now offer a testosterone check appointment which you can see here: https://www.thefemalehealthdoctor.com/book-an-appointment/#tve-jump-18fbe5dba9e Additional reading: https://www.thefemalehealthdoctor.com/testosterone-for-women/ and https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/22-WHC-FACTSHEET-Testosterone-for-women-NOV2022-B.pdf