Compounded testosterone: Why women need it

Many people think that testosterone is a male hormone and not something that women need, however, it is a vital sex hormone for females and when lacking they can experience low mood, confidence, and energy.

Testosterone plays a significant role in normal female physiology, and the small amount produced is crucial to the healthy functioning of most bodily tissues. In women, we know testosterone improves:

• Libido
• Memory
• Bone density
• Muscle mass
• Sense of wellbeing
• Self-confidence, motivation and energy

When compounded as part of bioidentical hormone replenishment treatment (BHRT) testosterone is known to strengthen muscles/bone density, improve mood, red blood cell production, and increase energy and libido.

Sometimes Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is also prescribed in BHRT which converts into essential hormones testosterone and oestrogen, as required by the body and increases energy and feelings of vitality.

Since 2019, the BMS has recognised the importance of testosterone replacement in women, especially in women with premature menopause or surgical menopause (post hysterectomy), but until recently, women could only get the testosterone gels made for men which are far too concentrated. Now Androfemme is a licensed testosterone preparation available for women but it’s too expensive to be on an NHS formulary.

As of the 16^th of May 2022, The British Menopause Society supports the utilisation of Compounded Testosterone:

“However, where these are absent, compounded varieties may need to be considered. If a compounded product is used, the compounding pharmacy should meet industry standards for purity of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Good Manufacturing Practice.”

Specialist Pharmacy exceeds the standards for purity of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Good Manufacturing Practice.

This updated guidance from the BMS on compounded testosterone medication as another treatment option for symptoms of menopause is a positive and valuable step forward for all the patients already treated with the compounding medications with prescriptions filled by Specialist Pharmacy.

This is also incredibly important given the recent news around HRT shortages as compounding pharmacies can step in to meet the current shortfall by making these medicines on a patient-specific basis.

For more information about compounded testosterone please visit – https://specialist-pharmacy.com/

Staff Writer