Is enough attention and care given to women re: their sexual health?

I would like to know how testosterone can help with bone loss, joint pain and mood in menopause and beyond. I know many women who are on antidepressants and suffer from aches and pains as they age. If this hormone can help us who are ‘on the back nine’ why can’t we get it

@tstrepy

Can you tell us a bit more about you. Your age, are you menopausal, are you already on hormones of any kind, etc.
Thanks

Studies are limited but here is an interesting one.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7098532/

@gravity3
thank you for the article. Kind of proves a point that should be pursued.
I’m 73yo post menopausal, on vaginal estrogen

Here is another interesting article but this time about the importance of progesterone even if you don't have a uterus anymore.
https://www.drsalomemasghati.com/post/why-you-need-progesterone-despite-a-hysterectomy

@tstrepy

I started on bhrt last year at 77. I was 38 at the time of menopause.
I take estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and estradiol vaginal cream. Also just a bit of dhea 5mg.

@gravity3 did your pcp prescribe these for you or did you go through one of the on-line clinics?
What changes/benefits are you getting? I know everybody is different but if I could get some joint pain relief and an energy boost I’d be happy

@tstrepy

I was told no by PCP, endocrinologist and gyno (this was a one time consult).
PCP and endocrinologist each said they didn't do hormone replacement. Gyno never gave me specifics. I didn't know enough then to ask specific questions or about the WHI study. But for me I wanted libido back. The combination of estradiol, testosterone and progesterone work quite well. Risk was not a concern for me since at my age decisions are made with quality of life over quantity. And because I could see that new thinking was developing to reassess hrt/bhrt use by post menopausal women. I am not a medical professional and this is not a path for everyone but one that is working for me.

@gravity3

Also, I do not get senile purpura on my arms and hands anymore. The bhrt has been the only major change that I have made. I do have more energy as well.

@gravity3,

Great topic. I have read articles and listened to presentations on sexual health for women in menopause and/or cancer. All affected hormones. I had early menopause due to a hysterectomy, then later developed breast cancer. I am 70.

In my case, after I got to a certain age, my primary stopped doing pelvic exams, etc I did have one when asked about a problem, and said everything was OK, but mentioned vaginal atrophy in the report. I followed up with a provider in gynecology to find out I had Lichen Sclerosus. She had a wealth of information on vaginal atrophy, estrogen cream, etc. I have a yearly checkup with her.

Some clinics have specialized departments for women dealing with sexual issues; Mayo has a Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Clinic.

I think this is an area that women need to advocate for themself.