Testosterone cream being tested to help boost low libido in world-first Australian trial

Testosterone cream is being tested on dozens of women in their later reproductive years to help boost their low libido as part of a world-first Australian study.

There are currently no treatments available for women in their 30s and 40s who feel distressed about the issue.

"It's a taboo subject, so you sort of suffer in silence a little bit," said Sarah Eglinton, 52, who participated in a similar testosterone trial.

READ MORE: Inflation comes in hotter than expected again, raising chance of interest rate hike

Sarah said in her mid-30s she thought it was a normal part of feeling exhausted while raising young kids.

"Not really knowing that during that phase, my testosterone starts to drop and continues to drop," she said.

Experts say about 10 per cent of women who are premenopausal in their later reproductive years experience a loss of sexual desire.

That number doubles to nearly 20 per cent in perimenopause.

"In Australia, right now, there is no specific treatment for low libido that has been approved for premenopausal and perimenopausal women," said Professor Susan Davis, head of the Women's Health Research Program at Monash University.

READ MORE: Shops locking up chocolate as theft focus shifts in UK

Previous work by the Monash University team was pivotal in having testosterone cream approved in 2022 for women after menopause.

"This really has been a game changer for a lot of women," Davis said.

That same formulation, which involves rubbing a small amount on the thigh so it can dissolve into the skin, will be used for the new study.

It's currently enrolling 260 women who live in Victoria, aged between 35 and 50, who are not yet in menopause.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here