Testosterone Prescription for Passion
1
39 February 2011 A s women age, their level of testosterone naturally decreases. The ovaries and the adrenal glands produce testosterone. However, a woman in her forties has on average only half of the testosterone circu- lating in her blood stream as does a woman in her twenties. Studies have shown that oral contra- ceptive use can permanently lower the free level of testosterone in women long after birth control has been discontinued. Levels of testosterone can greatly impact sexual libido and sexual function in women. Symptoms of decreased levels of testosterone include: absent or greatly diminished sexual motivation and/or desire; persistent, unexplainable fatigue; or lack of energy. Treatment, in the form of testosterone replacement therapy, is available. Testosterone is available commercially in a patch and gel, both of which are not FDA approved for women and come in much higher strengths than women can safely use. As a compound, it’s available in topical and vaginal creams, troches, gels, as well as other formula- tions, depending on patient-specific factors and choice. Compounded Testosterone cream is becoming increas- ingly popular because it does not irritate the skin as much as commercially made patches or gel. A 2007 study found that testosterone cream significantly improved sexual scores in menopausal women with low sexual desire. It was effective, easy to use and had no side effects over the three-month period of active treatment. The North American Menopause Society stated in a mission statement: “Postmenopausal women with decreased sexual desire associated with personal distress and with no other identifiable cause may be candidates for testosterone therapy.” Side effects may occur with high doses of testos- terone, including oily skin, acne, aggressive behavior, increased hair growth, deepening of the voice, weight gain, and changes in cholesterol. The dose can be adjusted if any of these adverse effects occur. Testosterone therapy is contraindicated in women with a history of breast or uterine cancer or in those with cardiovascular or liver disease. Mary PreFontaine, R.Ph. FAAFM is a consulting pharmacist specializing in dosages for hormone therapy. PreFontaine works with physicians to find the best possible dosage and dosage forms for patients experiencing a variety of symptoms caused from hormonal imbalances. Testosterone: Prescription for Passion By Mary PreFontaine, R.Ph, FAAFM
Transcript of Testosterone Prescription for Passion
39February 2011
As women age, their level of testosteronenaturally decreases. The ovaries and theadrenal glands produce testosterone.However, a woman in her forties has onaverage only half of the testosterone circu-lating in her blood stream as does a woman
in her twenties. Studies have shown that oral contra-ceptive use can permanently lower the free level oftestosterone in women long after birth control has beendiscontinued. Levels of testosterone can greatly impactsexual libido and sexual function in women.
Symptoms of decreased levels of testosterone include:absent or greatly diminished sexual motivation and/ordesire; persistent, unexplainable fatigue; or lack ofenergy. Treatment, in the form of testosteronereplacement therapy, is available.
Testosterone is available commercially in a patch andgel, both of which are not FDA approved for womenand come in much higher strengths than women cansafely use. As a compound, it’s available in topical andvaginal creams, troches, gels, as well as other formula-tions, depending on patient-specific factors and choice.Compounded Testosterone cream is becoming increas-ingly popular because it does not irritate the skin asmuch as commercially made patches or gel.
A 2007 study found that testosterone cream significantly improved sexual scores in menopausalwomen with low sexual desire. It was effective, easy to use and had no side effects over the three-monthperiod of active treatment. The North AmericanMenopause Society stated in a mission statement:“Postmenopausal women with decreased sexualdesire associated with personal distress and withno other identifiable cause may be candidatesfor testosterone therapy.”
Side effects may occur with high doses of testos-terone, including oily skin, acne, aggressivebehavior, increased hair growth, deepening of thevoice, weight gain, and changes in cholesterol. The dose can be adjusted if any of these adverse effectsoccur. Testosterone therapy is contraindicated inwomen with a history of breast or uterine cancer or inthose with cardiovascular or liver disease.
Mary PreFontaine, R.Ph. FAAFM is a consultingpharmacist specializing in dosages for hormonetherapy. PreFontaine works with physicians to find the
best possible dosage and dosage forms for patients experiencing a variety of symptoms caused from hormonal imbalances.
Testosterone: Prescription for PassionBy Mary PreFontaine, R.Ph, FAAFM
creo
