I can not tell you how many women in their late 30’s and older come to me saying “If I never had sex again I would be fine with it. But I know how important it is to my husband so I just deal with it.” They have never been told by a doctor how hormones affect their sex drives similar to men. Women make testosterone just like men do, just in smaller amounts. And when women are 18 their levels in the blood are typically 80-120 and they feel and look great. By the age of 40 most of these women have levels less than 20 and they are very symptomatic. They have a harder time achieving orgasm, there is less lubrication and they rarely pursue sex with their significant other.
The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2000 that looked at testosterone and how it affects sex drive in women and they concluded: “Testosterone administration in the highest dosage resulted in increased sexual activity, pleasure, and orgasm in women. There was an increase in sexual fantasies, masturbation and frequency of sex. There was an improvement in well-being and mood.” New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 343:682-88
I find this to be true in my practice as well. When I give women testosterone (typically a cream that is applied to their upper inner thighs and/or vaginal area) they get an increase in sex drive. The only downside to women using testosterone is that if they are susceptible to it they can get some acne. but for most women this is not the case and it dramatically improves the quality of their life.
Watch this short video on testosterone use and women and call my office if you have questions.
Dr. Sean Breen
