Kate Winslet undergoes testosterone replacement therapy to boost sex drive: Experts say it is not ‘universally recommended’

American actor Kate Winslet, 48, recently admitted that testosterone replacement therapy has helped her “feel sexy again.”

“Sometimes women experience a significant drop in libido due to underlying health issues, such as thyroid problems. There could also be stuff going on with your level of testosterone. A lot of people don’t know this, but women have testosterone in their bodies, and when it runs out — like eggs — it’s gone. Once it’s gone, you have to replace it, and that is something that can be done. You’ll feel sexy again. I know,” she opened up on How To Fail with Elizabeth – Part 1 podcast.

Winslet, who tied the knot with Edward Abel Smith in 2012, added, “So there could be a dip in those hormonal levels for you that is contributing much more than you think to how you’re feeling about having sex with your boyfriend, so I would definitely go ahead and do that.”

Taking a cue from the Titanic actor’s confession, let’s understand more about the therapy and how it works.

What is testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone therapy for women involves the administration of testosterone, typically through gels, patches, injections, or implants, to address hormone imbalances. “While testosterone is usually associated with male biology, women naturally produce it in smaller amounts, and it plays an important role in their physical and sexual health,” said Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, gyneacologist and IVF specialist, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre New Delhi and Vrindavan.

According to Dr Gupt, testosterone therapy can help boost sex drive (libido) in women, particularly those experiencing low libido due to menopause, surgical removal of ovaries, or hormonal changes. “It can also improve energy levels, mood, and bone density, especially for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition marked by a persistent lack of sexual interest,” said Dr Gupta.

Dr Gupta explained that testosterone therapy is generally considered for women who are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance or menopause, typically in the age range of mid-40s to 60s.

Let’s decode the therapy for you (representative) (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

For women 48 and older, Dr Gupta said testosterone therapy can help with:

*Restoring libido: Addressing sexual dysfunction by enhancing sexual desire and satisfaction.
*Improving mood and energy: it can alleviate symptoms of fatigue, irritability, and depression.
*Increasing muscle mass and bone strength: It may support muscle strength and bone health, which decline with age, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

What to consider?

According to Dr Rajashri Tayshete Bhasale, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician, and laparoscopic surgeon Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, more concrete research is needed to prove the effectiveness of this therapy in boosting sex drive in women. “The body’s response towards this therapy may vary from person to person depending on their condition. One can experience severe side-effects like developing a deeper voice, which is rare, dramatic mood swings, increased facial or body hair, acne, and skin changes,” said Dr Bhasale.

Therefore, testosterone therapy is not universally recommended and should only be considered after consulting a healthcare provider, stressed Dr Gupta, who seconded Dr Bhasale and shared that dosage and benefits vary per individual. “It can have side effects such as acne, facial hair growth, and voice deepening if misused. It’s important to balance testosterone with other hormones like estrogen and progesterone for safe and effective treatment,” said Dr Gupta.

Consider consulting a doctor before starting this therapy. “Your doctor may prescribe certain blood tests to assess your hormone levels to identify several underlying health problems,” said Dr Bhasale.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*

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