A skin patch that boosts the "male" hormone testosterone markedly improves the sex lives of women suffering from a loss of sexual desire, following the removal of their ovaries. Testosterone increased desire scores and sexual activity in these women by about 40 per cent compared to a placebo.

The international team of researchers tested the patch in European and Australian women who had suffered early menopause due to the surgery and developed hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The disorder is the most common female sexual dysfunction and can be caused by depression, medication or natural menopause.

"The results are striking for two specific reasons," says study leader Susan Davis, at the Jean Hailes Foundation, in Melbourne. "There was an extremely low placebo response, so it's a true treatment effect. Also, we are not just talking about sex, this study is really about quality of life. This is about women wanting to feel better." The work was funded by the multinational company Procter & Gamble. Full Story...