An agreement has been reached among leading experts about the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women.

The first Global Position Statement on the use of testosterone in the treatment of women, led by the International Menopause Society (IMS), was published in four leading international medical journals today. 

It follows years of debate and, for the first time, provides international agreement among experts and medical societies about how testosterone could be prescribed for women.

The team concluded that testosterone can be effective at improving sexual wellbeing for postmenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD). Recognised benefits included improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and pleasure, together with reduced concerns and distress about sex.

Professor Susan Davis, President of the International Menopause Society said:  

This position statement has far reaching global consequences. It not only reassures clinicians that a trial of testosterone therapy is appropriate for women with HSDD, but very emphatically states that, at present, the available evidence does not support the use of testosterone for any other symptoms or medical condition. 

We hope this will allow women who may benefit to be offered treatment, and simultaneously protect women from receiving inappropriate testosterone therapy. 

The international panel is calling on industry, researchers, and funding organisations to recognise the need for further research into testosterone therapy for women.  

Find out more on the International Menopause Society website.