The Hormone of Desire: The Truth About Testosterone, Sexuality, and Menopause (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The material in this book represents the distillate of what I have learned in my research, in my own experience with testosterone and menopause, and..." (more)
Key Phrases: supplementary testosterone, supplementary estrogen, supplemental testosterone, United States, New York Times, George Roentsch (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Testosterone, the hormone responsible for libidinal energy, is produced by women mainly in the ovaries. When the ovaries shut down at menopause, the amount of testosterone they produce is reduced by half, resulting, for many women, in diminished sexual desire, thinning pubic hair, flatness of mood, dry skin and decreased mental sharpness, among other effects. In this sure-to-be-controversial book, Rako, a psychiatrist, suggests that gradually developing testosterone deficiency is a treatable condition that ignorance, fear, ideological resistance and sexual politics have prevented the medical community, as well as the general population, from dealing with. Acknowledging the need for controlled clinical studies on supplemental testosterone, as there are for hormonal supplements of estrogen and progesterone, Rako advocates the prudent use of supplemental testosterone for women who need it and offers a thorough discussion of the uses, benefits and risks of testosterone therapy.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

"Conditions of testosterone deficiency do exist, need attention, and can be treated," Rako maintains as she draws on her practical experience as a psychiatrist as well as her thorough knowledge of relevant medical literature to discuss the usefulness of small doses of testosterone in helping women through menopause and stimulating positive sexual and psychological feelings. Women produce some testosterone just as men produce some estrogen. Yet many physicians, especially male gynecologists and endocrinologists, believe that giving testosterone to women is unnatural and potentially dangerous. Rako points out, however, that women do not display a simple dose-response curve for such treatment. This means that physicians not only have to overcome feelings of unnaturalness if they wish to aid some of their female patients but also must take the time and effort to match dosage to each individual's need. William Beatty --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (February 9, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609803867
• ISBN-13: 978-0609803868
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #266,751 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #73 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Women's Health > Menopause

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally a book (too short), for women's vital energy!!, November 28, 1998

By A Customer

I was happy to find a book that took into consideration not only a womans libido, but also the positive effects on bone density, loss of vital energy, fatigue, heart, diminished sense of well being, reduction in muscle tone, atrophy, inability to climax, incontinence, etc.etc. Too many doctors are ready to put women on anti-depressants feeling that these things are mostly psychological rather than hormonal in going through the menopause. Susan Rako says Testosterone may be the key!!! Its been known for years what the lack of, can do to men, but it seems women have been ignored. Plus I liked the fact that Susan speaks from her own personal experience. I was thrilled to find this information and agree that it can make a tremendous difference. . This is a small book written fairly simply, but could have been more in depth and detailed, but definitely worth the reading. D.T.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power Surge endorses Dr. Susan Rako's Research, January 13, 1998

By	Alice Stamm "alicestamm" (NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Hormone of Desire : The Truth About Sexuality, Menopause, and Testosterone (Hardcover)

Dr. Susan Rako, author of "The Hormone Of Desire: The Truth About Sexuality, Menopause and Testosterone," has been a frequent guest in Power Surge on America Online (keyword: PowerSurge) and on the Web's award-winning site, ...the community for women at midlife and in menopause. Dr. Rako's book is the end result of years of not only medical research on the benefits of testosterone therapy for women with sexual libido issues (pre and postmenopause), but as a personal odyssey to find answers to her own issues during menopause.
I have recommended Dr. Rako's book to literally thousands of women passing through Power Surge who complain of a lessened sexual desire or none at all. This is a very common complaint during menopause, and there is no reason why any woman should suffer this loss. Testosterone, taken in small doses, can be highly effective in restoring a sense of general well-being, sexual libido and a return to a normal life. No woman should suffer this loss at any age, especially at a time when our life expectancy has increased so dramatically.
We take medication for blood pressure, yes? We take medication for diabetes and heart issues, so why not testosterone for our sexuality?
Hats off to you, Dr. Rako. You done good!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hormone of Desire, March 21, 2002

By A Customer

Thank you so very much for writing this book and getting the word out to all of us! I sincerely thought that the symptoms that were gradually emerging and causing a negative effect on the quality of my life were a 'normal' part of aging. I was wrong! After reading the book and highlighting the parts that I felt pertained to me, I leant it to my doctor. After reading it, he agreed to try testosterone replacement therapy. I feel like a new woman and my husband is going to send my doctor flowers!