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Bring Back the Heat Could testosterone replacement therapy be Viagra for women? Not so fast, experts say 
The general rule of thumb when it comes to an ailing body is that there are no quick fixes. The same rule applies to female sexual dysfunction, according to Dr. Domeena Renshaw, MD, director of the Loyola University Health System Sex Clinic, Chicago, who does not recommend testosterone therapy for treatment until more research done. "Female sexual dysfunction is being treated as a medical problem with a quick fix, when in fact women's libido issues may be more complicated," says Renshaw, author of "Seven Weeks to Better Sex" (Westcom Press, 2003). According to Renshaw, female sexual dysfunction is a subjective diagnosis that might be caused by a number of things such as emotional issues, underlying health problems and medication, such as antidepressants. The proper level of testosterone in women is between 40-75 ng, but Renshaw warns that there is no such thing as a small dose of testosterone and cautions women who are turning to it as a treatment option. "I am not comfortable prescribing testosterone therapy to my female patients, because the long-term side effects have not been studied," Renshaw says. "Testosterone therapy may increase the risk of heart disease as well as cause excess facial hair, acne and deepening of the voice." Today, there are no FDA-approved products to treat sexual dysfunction in women. Recommendations to improve female sexual function include counseling and increased communication with your partner. Other tips are experimentation or changes in sexual routine, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. "The most important advice that I give couples is to turn off the television, unplug the phone and have a conversation to reconnect with one another," Renshaw says. |
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