The Endocrine Society and 10 other internationally esteemed medical societies have today issued the first Global Position Statement on the use of testosterone in the treatment of women. The statement was published in four leading international medical journals; also has author by a diverse team of leading experts based around the world. It follows years of debate regarding testosterone therapy for women; also for the first time, provides agreement among experts and medical societies about how testosterone could be prescribed for women.
The global consequences
“This position statement has far reaching global consequences. It not only reassures clinicians that a trial of testosterone therapy is appropriate for women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD); but very emphatically states that, at present, the available evidence does not support the use of testosterone for any other symptoms or medical condition,” said co-author Susan Ruth Davis, F.R.A.C.P.,Ph.D.,M.B.B.S., of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
“It also clearly advises that when testosterone therapy is give; so the resultant blood levels should not be above those seen in healthy young women. They hope this will allow women who may benefit to be offered treatment; also simultaneously protect women from receiving inappropriate testosterone therapy.”
An international task force of experts from leading medical societies; brought together by the International Menopause Society, produced the Global Position Statement to provide clear guidance regarding the prescribing and measurement of testosterone for female testosterone therapy as well as advice on testosterone prescribing practices; so that have the potential to be ineffectual or cause harm.
Testosterone therapy for women
They conclude that testosterone can be effective at improving sexual well being for postmenopausal women with HSDD. Recognized benefits included improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and pleasure; so together with reduce concerns and distress about sex. HSDD is thought to affect around 32 percent of women at midlife; while it’s common for women to lose interest in sex around the time of the menopause.
The use of testosterone as a treatment offers women an approach; so that may significantly improve their sexual and relate emotional wellbeing. The international panel is calling on industry, researchers and funding organizations to recognize the need for further research into testosterone therapy for women of all ages and the development and licensing of products formulate specifically for women.
The statement was developed by a multinational, multidisciplinary task force; the members of which were delegates from leading medical societies, and was peer review by expert committees of endorsing societies from across the world. It has translated into 13 languages and aims to improve the sexual wellbeing of women on a global scale.