Menopause Sexual Symptoms VS Drugs Therapy
“Does Drug Therapy Work? – Truth About Drug Therapy”
Unfortunately, knowledge about drug therapy to improve sexual function in women is still in its infancy.
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Lubricant and Moisturizer. A nonprescription vaginal lubricant or moisturizer may be sufficient for women with vaginal
dryness. Others may benefit from a prescription of estrogen therapy—either directly applied to the vagina or taken systemically. If systemic, estrogen therapy affects the whole body, providing relief not only for vaginal dryness, but also for hot flashes and night sweats. Although estrogen therapy clearly improves vaginal health and may improve sexual function by restoring vaginal lubrication and reducing the risk of painful intercourse, its effect on other aspects of sexual function, including sexual desire, is uncertain. Therapies to improve sexual desire are limited. -
Viagra .Drugs such as Sildenafil (Viagra), prescribed for sexual dysfunction in men, have not proven to be effective in women.
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Estrogen. In women after surgical menopause, low androgen levels may cause decreased sex drive and sexual response. While testosterone levels can be tested, these tests should only be used to monitor testosterone levels if women take supplemental androgens to avoid very high levels. If no other cause of decreased sex drive can be identified and other treatment options have not proven helpful, supplemental androgen therapy may be considered.
- Androgen. Currently, the only androgen-containing product available in the United States for use in women is Estratest, a prescription oral tablet containing an Androgen (Methyltestosterone) and an Estrogen (Esterified Estrogens). It is indicated for the treatment of hot flashes, but is often used “off-label” to treat sexual desire disorders in postmenopausal women. One study of women using this medication has reported an increased risk of breast cancer greater than using estrogen alone. In Canada, the only androgen approved for use in women is an injectable product called Delatestryl; its approved indication is to treat “frigidity.”
Too Risk?
Additionally, a compounding pharmacist can produce custom androgen preparations following a healthcare provider’s prescription. A popular but untested treatment for low sexual desire is the use of a small amount of compounded 1%-2% testosterone ointment or cream, applied to the vagina, arms, or low abdomen.
Because scientific evidence is lacking, the risks of androgen therapy for women are unknown. When women use androgen, dosage is very important. High doses don’t provide the desired improvement in sex drive, and may also cause side effects such as feelings of agitation, aggression, or depression as well as facial and body hair growth, acne, an enlarged clitoris, adverse changes in cholesterol levels, permanent lowering of the voice, and muscle weight gain. These effects are infrequent if androgen levels are maintained within normal female ranges.
Estrogen-type side effects are also possible, because androgens are converted in the body to estrogens. Long-term risks of androgen treatment are unknown, including the effects on risk for cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.
Prescription androgen products available for men (such as Androderm, Testoderm, and AndroGel) are not suitable for women, as they contain very high doses that may be harmful. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) supplements, a chemical with androgen-like effects, are available without a prescription in the United States (but not in some countries such as Canada). DHEA is touted for many health benefits, including improved sex drive. However, its use is not recommended due to lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety.
Any androgen therapy should be used at the lowest dose for the shortest time possible to meet a woman’s treatment goals. Some experts believe it is important that women be closely monitored for any negative health effects while taking androgen therapies.
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