Prescribing Testosterone in Menopausal Women
At our practice, we understand the challenges that can accompany menopause, including persistent low libido. However, initiating testosterone treatment for this condition is a specialist area, and we are unable to start such prescriptions without specialist input.
We are committed to supporting our patients through holistic assessment, 'shared care' by providing prescriptions for those who have been prescribed testosterone by an NHS provider eg the complex menopause clinic, or by private providers, provided the treatment meet with our local guideline.
Understanding Testosterone and Menopause:
Testosterone levels in women naturally decline between the ages of 20 and 40, stabilising by menopause. While testosterone is not a standard component of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), it can be beneficial for women experiencing low libido with low blood testosterone levels.
Criteria for Consideration:
To be considered for testosterone treatment, the following criteria must be met:
- Distressing Low Libido: The low libido must be causing significant distress.
- Optimised HRT: Symptoms persist despite optimised oestrogen and progesterone HRT.
- Exclusion of Other Causes: Other potential causes, such as relationship issues and vaginal atrophy (where the vaginal lining becomes drier and thinner), must be excluded.
- Blood Testosterone Levels: Total blood testosterone level is less than 1.5 nmol/l.
Next Steps:
If you are experiencing a low sex drive as part of menopause, please make a GP appointment. After exploring other options, we can refer you to the complex menopause clinic for further consideration of testosterone treatment if your blood tests indicate low testosterone levels.
Please be aware that there is currently a 6-12 month waiting period for complex menopause clinic appointments.
We are here to support you through your menopause journey and want to ensure you receive the best possible care.