Why do we need testosterone products for women

Menopause is something that will cause almost every woman to pass. When fertility ends, the level of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly – changes that can deeply affect physical health, emotional well -being and everyday life.

For many, the effects of this hormonal shift are more than frustrating – they can change life. Symptoms such as cerebral fog, sizzling, night sweats, headache, insomnia, fatigue, joint pain, low libido, anxiety, depression, and even bone loss from osteoporosis.

Read more: terrifying, bizarre, lonely: how women go through menopause, describe their experiences

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has helped many women deal with these symptoms – but one key hormone is often overlooked both in treatment and conversation: testosterone.

Testosterone is usually seen as a “male hormone”, but it also plays a key role in women’s health. In fact, Women have a higher level testosterone than estrogen or progesterone by most of their adult life. And like other sex hormones, testosterone It will also fall with age – With the consequences that are only now fully studied.

Testosterone gap

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is currently widely used to replace estrogen and progesterone during and after menopause. These treatments-available as tablets, patches, gels and implants regulated, based on evidence and more and more available by NHS.

But when it comes to testosterone, the situation is completely different.

Currently No license for testosterone products For employ by women in Great Britain or Europe. The only exception is Australia, where testosterone cream specially designed for women It is available. Europe once had its own option – a percutaneous patch called Intrins, designed and approved by regulatory bodies based on clinical evidence in the treatment of low libido in women with surgically induced menopause. But the producer withdrew the product in 2012citing “commercial considerations” in their letter down European Medicine AgencyThe agency responsible for assessing and supervising pharmaceutical products in Europe.

Since then, women in Europe have remained without an approved option.

IN No licensed treatmentsSome clinicians – mainly in private practice – rewrite the “label” of testosterone, often using products developed for men. These are usually gels or creams with doses several times higher than most women need. While doctors can advise on how to adjust the dose, this type of improvisation is associated with risk: faulty dosage, inconsistent absorption and lack of long -term security data.

Some women report Significant improvements – Not only in libido, but also in the fog of the brain, mood, joint pain and energy level. But only a proven clinical benefit testosterone in women Improving sexual desire For people with hypoactive sexual desire (HSDD) after surgical menopause.

Despite this, interest is growing – driven by the patient’s demandIN use of celebritiesIN Buzz on social media and the growing feeling that testosterone can be Missing piece in the field of women’s care.

As long as it is Increasing consensus that testosterone can play a role in supporting women’s health, the current situation is two solemn problems:

Safety and regulation: without licensed products, standardized dosage guidelines or long -term safety data, employ beyond on uncertain territory.

Access and unevenness: testosterone therapy is rarely available via NHS and is often available only via private clinics, creating a two -level system. Those who can pay hundreds of pounds for consultations and prescriptions can gain access to care, and Others are left.

Innovation

There are signs of changes. For example, I founded MedherantSpin-out University of Warwick, which is currently developing a testosterone patch designed especially for women. Is in Clinical examinations And, if approved, it can become the first licensed testosterone product for women in Great Britain for over a decade. This is a very needed step-and one that can pave the way for further innovations and wider access.

But urgency remains. Millions of women are currently heading without effective care based on evidence. In the meantime, rewriting outside the sign should be used with caution and employ based on the best available science-no noise or anecdote-i supplied by see-through, regulated healthcare channels.

Women deserve more than bypass. They deserve treatments developed for their bodies, rigorously tested, approved by regulatory authorities and available to everyone – not only few who can afford private care.

When it concerns half of the population, this is not a niche problem. This is a priority.