Hormone of Desire

Conditions of testosterone deficiency do exist, need attention, and can be treated,' Rako maintains as she draws on her practical experience as a psychiatrist as well as her thorough knowledge of relevant medical literature to discuss the usefulness of small doses of testosterone in helping women through menopause and stimulating positive sexual and psychological feelings. Women produce some testosterone just as men produce some estrogen. Yet many physicians, especially male gynecologists and endocrinologists, believe that giving testosterone to women is unnatural and potentially dangerous. Rako points out, however, that women do not display a simple dose-response curve for such treatment. This means that physicians not only have to overcome feelings of unnaturalness if they wish to aid some of their female patients but also must take the time and effort to match dosage to each individual's need.