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[CLKD]

...... warn experts.  'for middle-aged women' what ever that might mean.

By Linda Geddes, Science Correspondent

Dr Newson is quoted but others disagree with her prescribing policies, including Dr Paula Briggs, Chair of the British Menopause Society. 

The Guardian: Sat 6 July 2024.  I don't know how to post a link 

[Taz2]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/05/prescribing-of-testosterone-for-middle-aged-women-out-of-control

[CLKD]

U R SO Clever     did U read the article?


One of the concerns is lack of long-term research . 

[Ayesha]

When the experts can't agree that's a worry and a gamble for women who take testosterone.
Research is obviously needed here but it will take a long time for results to filter through, but no doubt they will in time.

[Taz2]

U R SO Clever     did U read the article

No 🤣

[CLKD]

Oh go on, I dare you 

[sheila99]

Time we had a new chair of the BMS.

[Emzib0b]

One point from the article that stood out to me was Dr Briggs’ concern that “women will accidentally end up with excessively high or “supra-physiological” levels of testosterone in their bodies, because of their hormone levels are not being closely monitored.”

I find it surprising that following an initial blood test six weeks after of starting testosterone, our levels are only checked annually thereafter. Some of us might be within the female range at the six week mark but our levels could continue to climb over the coming months.

Perhaps Dr Briggs/the BMS could review their guidance and recommend closer monitoring, at least in the initial first year of treatment?

[CLKD]

I agree sheila99.  Should be impartial?

Good idea Emzib0b.

[bombsh3ll]

I personally am satisfied with the current level of evidence we have on the millions of young women who have healthy levels of endogenous testosterone for decades.

Funnily enough there are no similar articles about Viagra prescriptions in middle aged men being out of control!

However I would love to see more research into the long term effects of testosterone in older women, and this needs to look at the whole body rather than maintaining the reductive view that it is just about libido.

As a matter of urgency the gender disparity seen in Alzheimer's disease, with females many more times likely to get dementia than age matched men, needs to be looked into with regards to testosterone.

People like these authors also have the power to influence the availablity of female specific products so that women aren't having to use treatments developed for men, which leads to most cases of overtreatment.

[CLKD]

The Viagra issue crossed my mind too ........

MayB begin with ladies already using testosterone, charting medical history and why they have been prescribed it?  Then on-going as they age.  Quality of Life ?   

[sheila99]

IMO the whole thing stinks. There is only one reason we can have it and that is for the benefit of men. I'm sure it's a good indication you're deficient but anyone who thinks it only affects libido isn't listening. I can't do my job without it because of muscle weakness (continually pulling muscles for no reason) and leaking is cured without pelvic floor exercises because my pelvic floor has the muscle tone it should have. Yes, they need research but I bet they won't do it as it'll probably turn out that we need it just like we need oestrogen. And if levels might be too high well how about a product that gives us a woman's dose instead of a man's? Rant over  .

[Minicat]

Well, idk the answer, the debate on testosterone for middle-aged women is pretty split among experts. It can definitely be confusing when professionals disagree, especially on something as significant as hormone therapy. I read about using testosterone boosters in the military and found out what are the risks of some test boosters. However, I didn't check out more resources or opinions.

[CLKD]

Which experts Minicat ? 

It also depends on who is sponsoring Research .......... 🧐 as well as wether all the results are shown in Published Peer-reviewed
Papers; both advantages and dis-advantages.  Papers should not be cherry picked to please X, Y, the public.

[AKatieD]

Seems like another example of "no evidence to support" being used to mean "evidence that it should not be used" when all it means is we don't know, it may help, it may not. Only way to know is to try it yourself.

They are not being that picky on testing oestrogen levels before/ after treatment but are happy with a suck it and see approach there.

Seems like an attempt to justify not using something because it is costly, despite some women seeming to think it works for them.