Medherant's new testosterone patch could change how we treat low libido in menopause.

In March 2024 the company announced plans to start clinical trials of a skin patch that delivers low-dose testosterone steadily over 24 hours. The idea is simple: replace the short, unpredictable spikes you get with pills or gels by using a patch that gives precise dosing through the skin.

Why this matters now.

Women going through menopause often report lower sexual desire, and few safe, approved options exist. Intrinsa, a previous testosterone patch for women, was taken off the market years ago. That left a gap in treatment for libido that many hormone replacement therapies don’t fully address. Medherant’s approach aims at filling that gap with a modern delivery system and controlled dosing.

How the patch works.

Medherant uses a matrix patch that adheres to the skin and releases testosterone steadily. This can avoid peaks and troughs and may reduce side effects tied to rapid hormone changes. The company says the patch is designed for small, well-controlled doses tailored to female physiology. Expect trial protocols to measure both blood testosterone levels and clinical endpoints like sexual desire scales and safety markers.

Who might benefit. The likely candidates are postmenopausal women who have persistent reduced sexual desire and who have tried or cannot use other hormone therapies. Doctors usually consider testosterone therapy only after evaluating risks like heart disease, breast cancer history, and liver problems. Patch therapy may suit women who want less frequent dosing and steady blood levels.

Safety and questions to watch. Testosterone can cause side effects such as acne, hair growth, voice changes, and cholesterol changes when doses are too high. That’s why precise dosing matters. Trials will need to show that the patch improves libido without causing unwanted masculinizing effects or increasing cardiovascular risk. Also look for data on long-term use and whether monitoring guidelines are proposed.

Timeline and what to expect. Early clinical trials typically focus on safety and dose finding. If those go well, later trials will test effectiveness compared to placebo or other treatments. Regulatory approval takes time, so even with positive data this patch won’t be widely available immediately. Keep an eye on published trial results and press releases from Medherant for exact dates.

Practical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with low libido after menopause, talk to a healthcare provider. Ask about lifestyle factors, relationship support, and if hormonal options are appropriate. When new treatments appear, ask about trial evidence, dosing schedules, and monitoring plans before trying them.

This March 2024 update marks an early but hopeful step toward a new option for women’s sexual health. The key will be clear trial results that show benefit with controlled, safe dosing.

Watch for trial details such as phase number, participant age ranges, primary endpoints (often sexual desire scales like FSFI), dosing arms, and safety measures. Published peer-reviewed results and regulatory filings will give the clearest signal about when a patch might reach clinics and pharmacies in markets.