When women find themselves experiencing menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, joint pain and low libido. They may be surprised if they go to visit their doctor and are prescribed a testosterone supplement to ease their ailments. This has been widely touted through out different media outlets as a so-called miracle cure to ease such symptoms.
In this Summer’s issue of the Menopause Exchange newsletter, Dr Joanne Hobson, clinical lead director at The Menopause Consortium, looks at the clinical evidence behind the headlines – testosterone’s role in a woman’s body, how testosterone levels may drop due to getting older (rather than the menopause itself), how and why it may be prescribed for women, and the risk of side effects with testosterone treatment.
Testosterone which is normally seen as something given to men, can be prescribed to a particular group of women suffering from low libido. If this hasn’t improved with standard HRT treatment, Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange says, “Low libido has many different causes, such as stress, sleep, hormones, chronic pain, relationship problems and past experiences. If testosterone is prescribed, women need to be monitored carefully.”
The Menopause Exchange newsletter has a variety of different subscribers including women, men, healthcare professionals, complementary therapists, workplace managers, employees and journalists. Amongst the other articles in this Summer’s edition include thriving in midlife, discussing the menopause with a GP, and all about ovarian cancer, as well as news, Ask the Experts Q&As and information about Norma Goldman’s webinars, talks and workshops.
The newsletter which was created in 1999 provides independent and unbiased information to help it’s target audience without being sponsored or funded by and companies or organisations. They also provide medical advice from experts across the globe to ensure that it’s readers have the most up to date facts and information in order to help themselves. The newsletter is provided at no charge on a quarterly basis.
For almost three decades webinars have been produced so women can have access to the information they need when and where they choose. They are suitable for women at or approaching the menopause, women who have had premature ovarian insufficiency (before age 40), an early menopause or a hysterectomy, or anyone with an interest in women’s midlife health. Her in depth knowledge has helped thousands of women enjoy a more comfortable perimenopause and menopause. Norma is now presenting online ‘Understanding the Menopause’ webinars to men. Knowing about the menopause can help men to better support their wife or partner, employees and/or work colleagues.
There can be many side effects for women taking testosterone including acne and increased body or facial hair. Very high doses can cause potentially irreversible effects including a deeper voice, male-pattern hair loss and enlargement of the clitoris.
The British Menopause Society says more long-term evidence is needed on the effects of testosterone treatment on cardiovascular and breast health.
The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian.
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms and would like to access further forms of help and advice you can search for the Menopause Charity online and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
