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Testosterone compound increases sexual desire in women
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Desire in pill form has been available to men for years, so what about the ladies?
A woman’s lack of sex drive has long been the punch line in stereotypical jokes, but when it comes to getting turned on, women are sick of not being in the mood. With an estimated 40 million American women who suffer from some type of sexual disorder, the most common of which is low sexual desire, the time for a female equivalent of Viagra is long overdue.
Currently there are no FDA approved medicines for women with low sexual desire, also known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). But that may soon change thanks to an investigational medication called Libi-Gel®.
Developed by Biosante Pharmaceuticals, LibiGel® is a testosterone compound that is applied directly to the skin, once daily. It has been shown in research studies to increase sexual desire and satisfaction in women.
Now underway is a nationwide clinical study to test the effects of Libi-Gel®, called the BLOOM study. It is open to women across the country who have lost their sexual desire.
While associated as a male hormone, testosterone is produced by women in small amounts. Whether a woman is going through natural menopause or her ovaries were surgically removed, her body’s testosterone level declines, and with it her sex drive. Low testosterone is thought to contribute to the symptoms of HSDD, which is characterized by a decrease or absence of desire for sex that causes personal distress and may lead to relationship problems.
“Testosterone goes down 50 percent in menopausal women. When you give [women] testosterone at just the right blood level, it increases sexual desire and the number of satisfying sexual events,” explains Biosante CEO, Stephen Simes.
The right amount of testosterone, Simes adds, helps women feel good and can improve attitude.
Women don't need to be afraid to use LibiGel, as the 300 microgram daily dose of testosterone is simply replacing a woman’s natural amount. It will not lead to negative side effects like facial hair or a deepening of the voice, explains Randall Huling, MD of Olive Branch Family Medical Center in Olive Branch, Mississippi, one of the test sites.
Initial studies began nearly seven years ago and now in the final phases of testing, Biosante is working toward new drug approval – and hope to have it market by 2010.
The study will collect 4,000 participants from 250 research sites across the United States. Investigators are looking for women at least 30 years of age. Qualified participants must have either gone through menopause or had their ovaries removed. Once enrolled, participants receive LibiGel, medical exams and lab tests, financial compensation, and they are asked to keep a “desire diary.”
“I think this is a condition that is a lot more common than any physician truly knows because it is not typically brought up in an office visit,” comments Huling. “About 20 to 30 percent of all women have HSDD, and as they get older into menopause, that percentage goes up. It’s much more common than [people] realize.”
To find out how to get involved, visit the BLOOM study.
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