Intrinsa®, a testosterone patch, has recently been licensed for women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and who have undergone menopause due to bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy. The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) includes a review of testosterone patches for female sexual dysfunction, addressing the following subjects:

• What is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)?
• Testosterone and its role in sexual function
• What is Intrinsa®?
• Clinical trials
• Unwanted effects
• Cautions and contraindications
• Cost
• Implications for practice

In its conclusion, it was noted that the diagnosis of HSDD is subjective, and the role that testosterone therapy might play in the treatment of sexual dysfunction remains unclear. The published evidence so far on Intrinsa is based on highly selected women, only shows small improvements in sexual parameters and large placebo responses, and does not address long-term safety. Furthermore, unwanted effects are common and not always reversible. Therefore, the use of Intrinsa could not be recommended.