7 Healthcast: Testosterone Patch

It seems the little bit of testosterone in this patch - can go a long way.

Dr. Jane Shifren, Mass. General Hospital
"I think this patch will be most useful for women who have sexual dysfunction and also have low testosterone."

This is the first study to test the patch in menopausal women with low sex drive. The result?

The patch revved up their sex drive - by effectively delivering testosterone.

Testosterone is the key hormone - for sex drive - in both males and females. After menopause - the production of the hormone in women slows down.

Dr. Jane Shifren, Mass. General Hospital
"The goal of the testosterone patch is to give women back the same levels of testosterone they had when they were younger. "

The hormone is imbedded in the patch - and slowly seeps through the skin into the body.

Women who tried the patch reported increased sexual activity and pleasure. In fact, they reported a four-fold increase in sexual activity.

Doctors say the patch can help restore a drive - many post-menopausal women thought they'd have to lose forever.

Doctors say the patch looks promising. Earlier studies also found that it worked well in post-menopausal women. Now, the companies are asking the FDA for approval.