Testosterone for women

Low sexual desire that is causing distress (hypoactive sexual desire disorder), usually after a trial of conventional HRT, including after surgical menopause. It is not used for energy, mood or muscle on their own, where the evidence does not support it.

A small daily amount is applied to clean, dry skin on the upper outer thigh or the buttock. Absorption can be more variable elsewhere, and it should never go on the genital area. It tops up testosterone to the normal female range. If you are on oestrogen tablets, switching to oestrogen through the skin can raise your own active testosterone and is often tried first.

Women with persistent, distressing low desire after their HRT has been optimised, who have discussed the off-label use and monitoring with a doctor.

This is a prescription-only medicine. It is not dispensed from an online form on its own. When you place an order, a LoveMyLife doctor reviews your information first.

For this treatment you will usually need a consultation, online, by phone, or in person, before we dispense, and we will arrange one where it is needed.

Repeat supplies are only continued when your monitoring is up to date (your testosterone blood test). This is how we keep the treatment safe, and it is the part an online questionnaire on its own cannot do.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medicines where available; if you prefer a particular brand, tell us in your order and we will confirm any difference.

AndroFeme 1% cream £134.99 per 50ml.

Usually mild when levels are kept in the female range. Possible: acne, and extra hair growth where you put the cream. Signs of virilisation, such as a deeper voice, unwanted hair or clitoral enlargement, are uncommon, but they may be permanent, so tell us as soon as you notice anything and we will stop treatment.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Active liver disease

• A history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer (occasional carefully considered exceptions)

• An already high baseline testosterone level

Few significant interactions. It is normally used alongside HRT. Tell us about all your medicines so we can check.

Not to be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

A blood test is taken before you start, again at 2 to 3 months, then every 6 to 12 months, aiming to stay within the normal female range. It measures your total testosterone, and a protein called SHBG that affects how much of that testosterone is active. Repeat supplies are continued only when your levels are up to date.

• Prescription-only: a doctor must assess you before this can be dispensed.

• Not from a form alone: we will arrange a consultation where one is needed, and will not dispense without appropriate assessment or a doctor's approval.

• Tell us everything: your full medical history, any other medicines, and any previous treatment help us keep this safe.