Question 54 - Libido And HRT
(Posted August 7, 2000)

Dr N,

I am 53 and have had a complete hysterectomy. What I need to ask is this: Since I had the surgury when I have sex their is no feelings whatsoever. I am taking Permarin l.25 and still nothing. Will changing to testosterone help with this problem? The only way for me to have an orgasm is through stimulation or oral sex. When you get this e-mail I would really appreciate it if you could answer through e-mail to me as soon as you can. I am getting into a new relationship and need to find a solution to this problem.

Dr N wrote:

Hi,

Ok ...

As your sex life was ok prior to your surgery and now is not, we can assume it has to do with the hormonal changes induced by the procedure. Some testosterone may of considerable benefit and you will need this in addition to the estrogen, not instead of. The easiest way to accomplish this would be to switch to Estratest, which contains both.This may, or may not be effective for you. Oral HRT preparations, including Estratest, are the most commonly prescribed menopausal therapies. However, they are not effective for all women and often HRT regimens using alternate routes of administration are needed for successful treatment. If you will read all the sections of the web site under the Sex, Hysterectomy and HRT headings, they will provide much additional insight.

Dr N