While the two most commonly prescribed hormones for the treatment of menopausal symptoms are oestrogens and progestins, there is a third set of sex steroids (hormones) known as androgens. The most well-known of these is testosterone.

Women produce testosterone throughout their lives in the ovaries and in the adrenal glands, and as you would expect, the levels are far lower than those produced by the testes of men. However, levels of testosterone do fall in women in their reproductive years, generally starting to fall a number of years before the onset of menopause.

One of the symptoms that can occur in menopause is a change in sexual function and some women will experience a condition known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, or HSDD. Dr Sebastian Leathersich explains how, in these women, there may be a role for testosterone therapy and considerations for treatment.