Testosterone patches are typically used to treat men whose bodies do not produce enough testosterone. The patch is placed on a specific body part and the testosterone is absorbed through the skin. Although there has been a lot of research on the efficacy and safety of testosterone patches forfemale sexual dysfunction(FSD), conclusive evidence supporting its use is limited. Further, testosterone patches are not FDA-approved for use in women. This means that if your healthcare provider prescribes you testosterone patches, you should rightfully assume it is for off-label use.
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Why Are Testosterone Patches for Women Not Approved?
In 2004, Proctor & Gamble applied for FDA approval of its transdermal testosterone system (a testosterone patch), Intrinsa. Intrinsa was intended to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in surgically menopausal women who were receiving estrogen therapy.HSDDis a type of sexual dysfunction linked to a lack of sexual desire.
Results from P&G’s Phase 3 clinical trials suggest that in women with two to three sexually rewarding events per month, administration of 300 µg of transdermal testosterone daily was linked to one additional sexually satisfying event per month. However, neither 150 µg nor 450 µg had any significant impact on the frequency of sexually satisfying events.
The FDA refused to approve the drug because it deemed the trial results of little clinical value. The FDA also expressed concerns that women who had undergone hysterectomies (who as a result, experienced surgically-induced menopause), and were already taking estrogen would also be exposed to testosterone—a hormone that’s potentially unsafe for women.
Even with testosterone gels and patches that have been approved to treat men, there is still a lack of data on how much testosterone actually gets absorbed. That, combined with its known side effects, makes testosterone supplementation more concerning. Long-term testosterone supplementation increases a man’s risk of cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart attack, and fatal heart disease. Some medical professionals are also concerned that testosterone supplementation could stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Other Therapies for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Although unapproved, Viagra has also been investigated for use intreating female sexual dysfunctionand it is sometimes prescribed off-label.
A Word From Verywell
While you can get access to testosterone (through off-label prescriptions and online supplements),using testosteronetherapy should only be considered after having an appropriate evaluation and full consent discussion of possible risks and benefits with your doctor. Testosterone is a hormone, and hormones have been known to have potential adverse effects like stroke, blood clots, cancer and so forth. Pursuing other treatment options, like seeing a therapist, maybe more beneficial for you in the long run. Practicing mindfulness—which focuses on the awareness of the present moment—may also help.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health.Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge.MSD Manual Professional Edition.Overview of Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction - Gynecology and Obstetrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition.Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: An evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J. 2018;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907Additional ReadingHeather Hartley. The Pinking of Viagra Culture: Drug Industry Efforts to Create and Repackage Sex Drugs for Women. Sexualities.R Basson.Testosterone therapy for reduced libido in women. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health.Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge.MSD Manual Professional Edition.Overview of Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction - Gynecology and Obstetrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition.Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: An evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J. 2018;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907Additional ReadingHeather Hartley. The Pinking of Viagra Culture: Drug Industry Efforts to Create and Repackage Sex Drugs for Women. Sexualities.R Basson.Testosterone therapy for reduced libido in women. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Health.Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge.MSD Manual Professional Edition.Overview of Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction - Gynecology and Obstetrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition.Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: An evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J. 2018;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907
Harvard Health.Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge.
MSD Manual Professional Edition.Overview of Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction - Gynecology and Obstetrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition.
Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: An evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J. 2018;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907
Heather Hartley. The Pinking of Viagra Culture: Drug Industry Efforts to Create and Repackage Sex Drugs for Women. Sexualities.R Basson.Testosterone therapy for reduced libido in women. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Heather Hartley. The Pinking of Viagra Culture: Drug Industry Efforts to Create and Repackage Sex Drugs for Women. Sexualities.
R Basson.Testosterone therapy for reduced libido in women. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
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