Testosterone for Low Sexual Desire in Premenopausal and Perimenopausal Women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial: The Sybil Study
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A randomised controlled trial evaluating whether testosterone therapy can improve low sexual desire in premenopausal and perimenopausal women.
Background
Loss of sexual desire that causes women concern is one of the most common sexual issues for women. Low sexual desire may include lack of interest in sex, a loss of desire for sexual activity or loss of responsiveness, amongst others, which may be of sufficient concern to seek a treatment.
Testosterone has been shown to be an effective treatment of low sexual desire associated with personal distress in women after menopause. Small studies suggest testosterone therapy may improve sexual desire in premenopausal women, however the study findings are uncertain. Use in perimenopausal women has not been studied.
Why are we doing this research?
This study aims to investigate whether testosterone therapy can improve sexual desire in premenopausal and perimenopausal women who have experienced a loss of sexual desire.
Who can participate?
We are seeking healthy premenopausal and perimenopausal women aged 35-50 years who have experienced a loss of sexual desire that causes them concern.
What does the study involve?
Participants will be required to apply skin cream containing an approved testosterone treatment for women or an identical placebo every day for 6 months.
Participants will need to be able to attend up to 3 clinic visits at the Women’s Health Research Program at 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
At each visit we will measure a health check, collect blood to measure your hormone levels and ask you to complete questionnaires.
This study is approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee