Q: What is the evidence for testosterone therapy in women?

A: The value of testosterone over oestrogen and placebo was shown in trials 20 years ago by Sherwin and Gelfand with implants of hormones after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo oophorectomy. The clear result in this study was that the addition of testosterone improved sexuality, decreased depression and improved general health scores. We have reported a prospective study of 200 women having implants of oestradiol and testosterone after hysterectomy and oophorectomy showing the long term improvement over many years of libido orgasms depression anxiety and energy. In spite of this, the vast majority of women who have lost their ovaries at surgery are not offered testosterone for reasons which are very hard to understand. -- Professor of Gynaecology, John Studd - Evidence-based Hormone Therapy