Testosterone might help with libido

Q. What can you tell me about using testosterone to jump-start diminished sex drive in women? I used to have a fantastic libido. But ever since menopause, I am rarely interested in sex.

A. The "APHRODITE" study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Nov. 6, 2008) reported that a patch containing 300 micrograms of testosterone "resulted in a modest but meaningful improvement of sexual function." During this yearlong trial, women on the patch reported "increases in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and pleasure."

In the study, a few women on testosterone were diagnosed with breast cancer. The researchers could not determine whether this hormone was responsible. Long-term side effects of testosterone have not been studied.

We are sending you our Guides to Female Sexuality and Treating Sexual Dysfunction with more details about testosterone. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (59 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. PZ-9, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved topical testosterone to improve female libido, though some doctors are prescribing it "off-label."

Q. I was put on Lipitor to control cholesterol, and it shot my blood sugar through the roof. My doctor suggested switching to Crestor. Would this drug also affect blood sugar?

A. You are not the first person to note that some cholesterol-lowering medicines might raise blood-sugar levels. Another reader reported that after taking Crestor, his type 2 diabetes numbers also "went through the roof."

The official prescribing information for both Lipitor and Crestor mention elevated blood sugar as a possible side effect. A large study of more than 17,000 patients (the Jupiter Trial) reported a higher incidence of diabetes in the subjects taking Crestor (New England Journal of Medicine, Nov. 20, 2008).

Researchers are not sure whether this is a real complication of statin-type drugs or just a coincidence.

Q. When I was young I had an ongoing dandruff problem. This was about 45 years ago.

My uncle was a barber, and he told me to use the old brown Listerine. I have used it ever since, every time I wash my hair, and have never had another problem with dandruff.

A. Many other readers agree that old-fashioned Listerine can help fight flakes and itching on the scalp. That may be because the alcohol and herbal oils in Listerine have antifungal properties. Since dandruff is caused by yeast (a type of fungus), it is not that surprising that this mouthwash might be beneficial.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org