Testosterone treatment is revolutionising the sexual health landscape for women by restoring libido post menopause. “Testosterone treatment for menopausal women is such an exciting topic right now,” says Cape Town’sDr Marlena du Toit, a gynaecologist in private practice and Programme Director of Sexual Health at the Faculty of Medicine, Stellenbosch University. “For the first time, we have solid evidence to treat post-menopausal loss of libido safely and effectively.” And she isn’t exaggerating.
Globally,attitudestowards hormone therapy are shifting, and South Africa is experiencing its own quiet revolution. Since hormone therapy was approved here, du Toit says interest has grown rapidly. Low libidois far more common than most women realise.
International studies such as the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes & Behaviours show that30-50%of post-menopausal women report a drop in sexual desire. About one in three say sex becomes infrequent or disappears altogether in the years after menopause. “I often see women who feel deeply stressed, even ashamed, because they ‘can’t be turned on’ any more,” says Du Toit.
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“When testosterone works for the right patient, it can flip that switch. Many tell me they’re having the best sex of their lives, feeling more alive, more confident and noticing real changes in energy and muscle tone.” But testosterone isn’t a magic potion for everyone. So what are the benefits, the risks and who qualifies for this potentially life-changing treatment?
We turned to several South African experts to clarify. Professor Tobie de Villiers, a gynaecologist in private practice and past president of the International Menopause Society, describes testosterone treatment for post-menopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) as “a genuine game-changer”. This explains why libido often changes dramatically.
But diagnosis is never just a blood test. “We first rule out biological, psychological and social factors,” he says. Blood tests serve as a safety baseline rather than a tool to diagnose desire.
And when the right patient receives the correct dose, the results can be powerful. To understand what this treatment looks like in real life, meet Susan – one of many South African women who say testosterone has changed “everything”.
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