Testosterone FAQs

How is Androfeme Testosterone cream applied?

The cream is applied daily to the skin on the lower abdomen or upper thighs. It is rubbed in like a moisturiser and then absorbed directly into your bloodstream. This mimics the way the ovaries would release the hormone directly into the circulation.

The cream comes with a syringe so you can easily measure the dose you need. The normal starting dose is 0.5ml (around a pea-sized amount) once per day.

What are the current guidelines for Testosterone replacement in women?

There is a condition known as HSDD, which stands for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction. This is when there is a total lack of interest in sex, lasting for more than 6 months that has consequences on a woman’s relationship and/or self-esteem. Current official guidelines around the use of Testosterone in Menopause, only recommend testosterone for menopausal women with HSDD. However, there is now lots of research showing that women can gain many other positive effects, not just an improvement in their libido. For this reason, Menopause specialists around the world are increasingly offering women testosterone as part of their HRT.

Is Testosterone the only way to improve low libido?

There are lots of reasons why a woman may lose her interest in sex or find sex uncomfortable/difficult. These include relationship problems, stress, other medications that interfere with sex drive and tobacco and alcohol use. These all need to be addressed before the use of testosterone to treat low libido. 

Is Testosterone licensed for women in New Zealand?

There is currently no licensed Testosterone product for women in New Zealand. However, that does not mean doctors cannot prescribe it. Nor does it mean it is not safe. There are many medicines that we use ‘off label’ – this means there is enough research and data to say the drug is effective and safe, but the regulatory body has not yet given it an official license for that particular use. Androfeme cream is licensed for women in Australia and can be imported into New Zealand and prescribed here.

What type of Estrogen is best to take with Testosterone?

In our blood, testosterone is tightly bound to something called sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Only a small amount is actually ‘free’ and able to attach to receptors and have effects on the body. Estrogen in the form of oral tablets, increases our SHBG levels and so this lowers the amount of free testosterone levels. Transdermal Estrogen (in the form of patches or gel) does not have this effect on SHBG, so this type of estrogen is best.