Testosterone

You have been given a prescription fortestosterone. As we explained to you,this is an important hormone whichcan often improve your symptoms andquality of life. This leaflet explains thisin more detail.

Testosterone is currently not licensed

to women in the UK. However, it isprescribed by many menopauseexperts as it has proven benefits innumerous clinical trials. It is also verysafe when it is used in the way that ithas been prescribed for you.AndroFeme®1 is licensed for womenin Western Australia.

Testosterone for women

What is testosterone?

Many people think of it as the “male”hormone which is correct, but womenproduce testosterone too. In fact,women produce three times as muchtestosterone than oestrogen beforethe menopause.

Testosterone is made in your ovariesand also your adrenal glands, which aresmall glands near your kidneys. Levelsof testosterone in your body graduallyreduce as you become older.

What does testosterone do?

Testosterone plays an important rolein sexual arousal, sexual response,libido, bone strength, cardiovascularhealth, cognitive performance, energylevels and wellbeing in women.

When your levels of testosteronereduce, you may find that you desire

sex less often and when you do havesex, it is not as pleasurable as it usedto be, even though you still desire andlove your partner.

Many women find that takingtestosterone improves their staminaand energy levels; both physically andmentally.

Who needs testosterone replacement?

Testosterone is usually given to womenwho are also taking hormonereplacement therapy (HRT) and havepersistent symptoms, especiallyreduced libido.

If you have had your ovaries removedby an operation, then it is very likelythat your levels of testosterone will

become low very quickly. This isbecause your ovaries produce themajority of testosterone in your body.

It is possible to have your level oftestosterone measured in your body.This is done by a simple blood test.However, a low level does not alwaysmean that you need treatment withtestosterone.

How is testosterone treatment given?

Testosterone is usually given as acream (AndroFeme®1) which yourub into your skin so it goes directlyinto your bloodstream. It will restoreyour blood testosterone levels backinto the normal range for women.

You should use 0.5ml (a peasizeamount) of AndroFeme®1 into yourskin. It should be rubbed onto your

lower abdomen or your outer thigh.You should wash your handsthoroughly after using it.

Alternatively testosterone may begiven to some women as a gel or animplant.

It can sometimes take a few monthsfor the full effects of testosterone towork in your body.

There are usually no side effects withtestosterone treatment as it is givento replace the testosterone that youare otherwise lacking. Veryoccasionally women notice someincreased hair growth in the area inwhich they have rubbed the cream.This can be avoided by changing thearea of skin on which you rub thecream.

As the dose is so low, testosteroneused in this way does not increaseyour risk of developing facial hair,voice deepening or skin changes. It isimportant to have regular bloodmonitoring to reduce the risk of anyside effects occurring.

AndroFeme®1 contains almond oil soshould not be used if you have anallergy to almonds.

www.menopausedoctor.co.uk

What are the side effects of testosterone treatment?

There is a wealth of information available to you on the

Internet, in books and in articles on this subject. However,

much of it is out of date, inaccurate and / or misleading!

Our website contains some really useful facts and information.

Dr Louise Newson is a GP and menopause expert who feels passionately aboutimproving awareness of safe prescribing of HRT to ladies at all stages of the

perimenopause and menopause and also about offering holistic treatments forthe menopause.

Dr Newson developed the Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre inStratford-upon-Avon in 2018.

This centre offers private menopause consultations from a number of female GPsspecialising in the menopause and women’s health. There are also a range of

wellbeing services offered such as nutritional advice, women’s healthphysiotherapy, acupuncture, counselling, hypnotherapy and yoga. The laser

treatment for vaginal dryness, Mona Lisa Touch, is also available.

Dr Newson also provides information and advice about the menopause on herwebsite at www.menopausedoctor.co.uk 

as well as on social media.

Winton House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HB

Enquiries: 01789 595004 | Email: info@newsonhealth.co.uk | Web: www.newsonhealth.co.uk