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[Katherine]

Dear ladies,

I have just looked up the criteria for prescribing testosterone, which has apparently been updated recently, and the only reason for prescribing now according to the British Menopause Society and other reputable sources, is low libido. I can't understand this as testosterone has so many other functions in the body and I've heard of so many women speaking of benefits such as increased ability to exercise, increased strength, reduced fatigue, more energy, the list goes on. Maybe I've misunderstood this as I'm trying other research this while very tired. I was told by my GP surgery that the rules have been tightened. I feel like this is a step backwards for women rather than forwards with regards to testosterone for ladies. I have a GP appointment coming up and am now worried I won't be prescribed it again 

[CLKD]

I think that the fact that testosterone is a female as well as male hormone is not understood particularly during peri.

[chopsuey]

It's very disappointing that this stance has been taken. I think the argument is that there is little evidence that testosterone helps with the other aspects mentioned. I think this is mainly because the research just isn't being done because there's not much money in it, as it's not a patentable drug.

I take it through a private practitioner for energy and brain fog and it makes a big difference to the quality of my life. She told me to tell my GP that it was needed for libido but they already know that's not the case. If your GP refuses to prescribe it for you, are you able to afford a private prescription? Some menopause specialists have a service just for testosterone prescribing for women already established on HRT.   

[Katherine]

I could afford it privately but I would really begrudge paying, I think it would be really unfair. I would pay though if I had to  I wonder why the guidelines have even been changed when so many women benefit. As you said chopsuey testosterone has helped you and my gp told me she prescribes it as it is so beneficial. It’s ridiculous but not surprising this has happened. I will let you know what happens.

[CLKD]

Cutting nose off ........ Katherine.  There R a lot of things that we shouldn't be paying for but to get well it's worth while.  Who suggested that Life is fair?

Who makes these decisions and on what basis I wonder?  [men]

[chopsuey]

I think the guidelines were always more around libido -  under the NHS at least -   but there was maybe more flexibility around prescribing it for other reasons, especially by menopause specialists. I expect it all comes down to money what with many more women learning about the benefits and requesting it. They have decided there is not enough 'evidence' and tighened up the guidelines accordingly.

As has been said on this forum before, it is very telling that the only thing that seems to matter is that we keep having sex.

[bombsh3ll]

At least we all now know what we need to say to get it.

This is purely a cost cutting measure.

There is abundant evidence on the non sexual benefits of testosterone - hence it has been banned from competitive sports for both males and females since long before there was any scientific interest in female libido.

WADA do not ban a substance if all it does is make athletes horny!

The evidence for lots of medicines is scanty but they are doled out like smarties because they are cheap.

I agree that there is a culture within gynaecology of prioritising women's ability/desire to service men sexually above our general wellbeing and quality of life. I have literally been shouted at by a gynaecologist for refusing dilators. This is the same thing.

[Katherine]

Cutting nose off ........ Katherine.  There R a lot of things that we shouldn't be paying for but to get well it's worth while.  Who suggested that Life is fair?

Who makes these decisions and on what basis I wonder?  [men]

CLKD I appreciate your replies but could you try and be a bit more sensitive please.

[Katherine]

I think the guidelines were always more around libido -  under the NHS at least -   but there was maybe more flexibility around prescribing it for other reasons, especially by menopause specialists. I expect it all comes down to money what with many more women learning about the benefits and requesting it. They have decided there is not enough 'evidence' and tighened up the guidelines accordingly.

As has been said on this forum before, it is very telling that the only thing that seems to matter is that we keep having sex.

I had never thought of it like this but this makes complete sense!!