The questions answered in this podcast are listed below.
They were compiled by GPs and professional attendees at our face-to-face seminars around Australia

1. Product information says topical estrogen should be stopped after 12 weeks, how long can it safely be continued, and is there an upper age limit?
2. In women with breast cancer, some specialists advise avoiding topical estrogen while others say it’s safe. What’s your opinion?
3. Is there a difference between the types of vaginal estrogen (Estriol, Estradiol, Vagifem, Ovestin, etc), and does it matter which is prescribed?
4. Is there a risk of male partners absorbing estrogen during penetrative sex after pessary use, and if so, what advice on timing should be given?
5. Why would you use prasterone (Intrarosa) instead of vaginal estrogen?
6. Are there any side effects of prasterone?
7. Is prasterone a good option for breast cancer survivors when oncologists won’t allow Ovestin?
8. Can prasterone be combined with Ovestin?
9. Can testosterone therapy be used alone, or must it be combined with estrogen?
10. Can testosterone be safely used in premenopausal or perimenopausal women for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)?
11. What baseline and follow-up tests are required before initiating testosterone therapy?
12. When should follow-up testosterone levels be checked (timing after initiation)?
13. If testosterone levels are normal but the woman still wants treatment, is it harmful to start?
14. Can testosterone be used in women with a history of hormone-dependent breast cancer?
15. What needs to be discussed to obtain informed consent for continuing testosterone beyond 24 months?

Expert: Dr M Talat Uppal, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Host: Dr Terri Foran, Sexual Health Physician

Total time: 25 mins