Question of the Month

Q:  Since entering menopause, my sex drive has vanished completely. My doctor prescribed androgel which I have been rubbing on my thighs. I've noticed that they are getting fuller; is this because of the testosterone gel?
 

A: Androgel is testotserone gel. At this time it is approved only for men. While women can use it, it must be done with extreme care because the dose forms are designed to be used by men and therefore can give blood levels 10 to 20 times higher than is appropriate for women. It is particularly dangerous for women to apply it to their thighs, or near their vulva or vagina because these areas absorb much more testosterone than does ordinary skin.

In my new book, THE HORMONALLY VULNERABLE WOMAN, I describe the only way women can use Androgel with any degree of safety. I also discuss possible side effects, such as hair loss. It is essential that women using Androgel have blood levels measured to be sure that they are not excessive.

Testosterone can definitely help sex for many women but must be used cautiously. So far as I know, my new book has the only discussion of this treatment that gives the facts about safety issues.

Sincerely,
Geoffrey Redmond, MD

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