THE makers of a new testosterone replacement patch for men have warned that "it is not designed for use by that daft group of middle aged males who reckon they've got the male menopause". The hormone replacement patches for men with low libidos are aimed at treating men with hypogonadism, a deficiency in testosterone which can cause impotence, loss of sex drive, fatigue, reduced muscle power and depression. The condition affects one in 200 men.
Andropatch, made by SmithKline Beecham, is a self adhesive patch containing testosterone which can be applied and worn on the abdomen, back, thighs or upper arms. Studies have shown that Andropatch restores testosterone levels to normal in more than 90 per cent of patients.
But what about the 199 out of 200 men who will almost inevitably face that mid life rite of passage which some call the "male menopause"? Unfortunately, a patch has yet to be developed to solve their problems.