Why take testosterone or DHEA in menopause?

Why do some women in menopause or perimenopause consider taking testosterone?

What are the advantages women hope to get from the male hormone?

First, it’s important to understand that women’s bodies naturally make some testosterone. It’s produced in the ovaries, and has some beneficial affects on the female body.

If you’re considering medication in order to feel “normal,” the good news is “normal” is entirely up to you. If you’re happy with a few times a year or several times a week, congratulations! You’re normal.

Fortunately, says Dr. Rebecca, there have been about 35 trials of around 5000 women, looking at the effects of testosterone and testosterone plus hormone replacement therapy (HRT). So at least there’s some information, though more would be better.

Pros: When “T” is administered, studies show a slight increase in sexual desire, even in women who were not currently partnered at the time of the study. If women do see improvement and don’t experience side effects, they can probably be on T for up to 7 years without additional health concerns.

DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is naturally produced by the body’s adrenal glands, though like many things in our bodies, production decreases with age. DHEA is a “precursor” hormone, meaning the body naturally converts it to testosterone and estrogen.

Many women swear by oral DHEA for a whole host of benefits, but it’s important to be sure you’re taking the right stuff at the right doses for the right reasons. All hormones come with risks, and DHEA is no exception.

Pros: The studies showed some women may have very mildly improved sexual function.

Cons: Many women get their oral DHEA in the vitamin aisle at the grocery store or GNC. These are not pharmaceutical-grade medications, says Dr. Rebecca, while the studies were based on meds that are. So what you get OTC at the store is probably not going to be strong enough to do much good. Also, in most studies the drug didn’t improve participants’ feelings of health or well-being, nor did it show significant improvement of menopause symptoms. And finally, DHEA may have the same side effects as T, primarily acne and facial hair growth.

At this point, says Dr. Rebecca, there’s just not enough information to know if taking this orally is safe OR effective, let alone both.

Unfortunately, there’s just not a lot out there for women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, says Dr. Rebecca.

Dr. Rebecca doesn’t recommend Addyi because at this point it seems the cons outweigh the very slight possibility of a pro.

Finally, Dr. Rebecca says, it’s important to remember that libido in women is extremely complex and anyone struggling with desire should also take a close look the psycho/sexual aspects at play.

Are you bored with routine sexual activity with a longtime partner? Consider toys, sexy books or movies, a vibrator, etc.

If you want to be having more sex, communication is probably your first step. Talk with your partner, a therapist, your doc or ob/gyn to uncover the reasons your desire doesn’t match your desired desire, so to speak.

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