Hormone replacement therapy aims to
replace estrogen to control the effects, both short and long term, of
estrogen deficiency. In addition, for women who still have their
womb, some form of progestogen is given to protect the womb lining
from being stimulated by the estrogen. Some women also benefit from
the replacement of testosterone, particularly those who experience
premature ovarian failure, or have surgical removal of their ovaries,
since our ovaries produce about 50% of our testosterone, the rest
being produced from the adrenal glands. The lack of testosterone in
women can cause fatigue, low mood and low libido.
Previously, women could be given
testosterone in the form of a twice weekly patch or a six monthly
implant and many found these preparations very helpful.
Unfortunately, the patch has now been withdrawn from the market, and
implants of both estrogen and testosterone are not readily available
in the UK, although some clinics have been able to purchase them from
America.
This has caused
much concern, reducing treatment options for some women and the
British Menopause Society are trying very hard to provide pressure on
relevant organisations to improve the situation. Meanwhile, for
postmenopausal women, the HRT tablet tibolone provides a combination
of estrogen, progestogen and testosterone and is a very useful option
for postmenopausal women who wish to take HRT and for whom low libido
is a symptom. For women who require to use a separate form of
testosterone along with HRT, several brands of testosterone gel are
available. While they are only licensed for use in men, they can be
used for women “off-license” under specialist supervision.
For more information see
www.menopausematters.co.uk/testosterone.php
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