Low Libido Study

BILLINGS - The loss of sexual desire among women is not as widely talked about as it is regarding men, but it is just as significant.
A study is underway to test the effectiveness of a new treatment option to increase a woman's sex drive.

Billings Clinic Research Center is participating in the long-term study that is following thousands of women for 5 years. Two groups of women between the ages of 30 and 60 are being studied: ones who have entered menopause naturally and ones who have had a hysterectomy.

The purpose is to see whether replacement of testosterone will re-ignite their sex drive.

"We know that one-third of women that have gone through menopause really don't have much sexual desire, sometimes it doesn't cause a problem for them because a lot of older men also don't have a strong sexual desire, but if there's a desynchrony in your relationship of people who do and don't view sex as a normal part of a marriage or relationship that can be a big problem," said Dr. Howard Knapp, Vice President of Research, Billings Clinic. "So this study is directed at seeing how safe and effective replacing testosterone is in women who've gone through menopause."

Women interested in enrolling in the study are asked to call the Research Center and speak with the recruitment nurse at (406) 247-6489.

The study is also looking at how testosterone affects a woman's cholesterol levels and heart health.