No simple test for female sexuality 

Embargoed until 6 am AEST July 6, 2005

A study by Monash University and the Jean Hailes Foundation has confirmed there is no simple test or solution for sexual dysfunction, a common request by many women1.

New insights have been revealed into hormones and female sexual wellbeing in the study of 1423 Australian women aged 18 – 75 who were participants in the Sue Ismiel Study of the Role of Changes in Androgens with Age.

It is being published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study’s key findings are that:

• Contrary to popular belief, women who report low sexual function do not have different blood testosterone levels to those who do not;
• Women, particularly younger ones, who report low sexual function are more likely to have low levels of the hormone DHEAS, produced by the adrenal glands; and,
• There is no simple cut-off level for any blood hormone that separates women who report low sexual function from those that do not.

Principal researchers, Professor Susan Davis and Associate Professor Robin Bell, initiated the research while at the Jean Hailes Foundation. Professor Davis and Dr Bell are now at the Women’s Health program at Monash University. Professors Davis and Bell are Chief Investigators of the NHRMC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence for the Study of Women’s Health, in the Women’s Health Program at Monash University, directed by Prof Davis.

Professor Davis said the results showed a hormone blood test for a woman with low libido would not be useful in determining how to treat her condition.

“Sexual functioning is extremely complex. There is no instant test and no quick fix available,” Professor Davis said.

“Researchers have been looking for a solution for a long time. But we have found no evidence that a blood test identifying levels of testosterone is useful when diagnosing sexual dysfunction. For some people this is a bit of a bombshell.’’

“It is important to note that this study tells us nothing about the treatment of low libido in women- it does not tell us that testosterone is not effective and nor does it tell us that DHEA therapy is.”

The study involved women from across Victoria. Co-author, Dr Sonia Davison has recently reported on the results from this study as to how testosterone levels change with age.

Professor Davis said the study suggests women must have a global health assessment of the cause of their sexual wellbeing before being prescribed hormone therapy. This includes determining the possible contribution of depression, thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, relationship issues and stress to their diminished sexual health.

Funding
This study was jointly funded by private Australian businesswoman, Sue Ismiel, who generously donated $600,000 to investigate the link between hormones and women’s health and wellbeing and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia through the Centre of Research Excellence for the Study of Women’s Health and Post Graduate Medical Research Scholarship to Dr Sonia Davison. This unique partnership between a charitable private donor, the NHMRC, a scholarship award and a national Australian research team has set new benchmarks in international research and is destined to make a significant contribution to global women’s health.

1. Circulating Androgen Levels and Self-reported Sexual Function in Women
          Susan R. Davis; Sonia L. Davison; Susan Donath; Robin J. Bell
          JAMA. 2005; 294:91-96.

For further information please contact:

The Jean Hailes Foundation
Ms Janet Michelmore, Director Media Liaison on 0411 115 456 or
Ms Jenny Jackson, Chief Operating Officer on 0407 040 447.

Monash University Mr John DuBois in Media Communications on (03) 9905 2040 or 0417 559287.

For practical advice on helping women improve their libido, please visit Libido (http://www.managingmenopause.org.au/content/view/23/95/) cor omprehensive information about hormones and sexual health visit http://womenshealth.med.monash.edu.au

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Background: Sue Ismiel

Sue Ismiel

Sue Ismiel is the founder and executive chairman of the LifeSource Group, and the creator of Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Gel.

Sue Ismiel was a teenager when she migrated from Syria to Sydney with her family in the 1970s.

By her early thirties Sue was married to Sam Ismiel (also from Syria), mother to three young daughters, and working as a medical records keeper in a Western Sydney hospital.

It was at this time Sue created a product that would change her life. After a year’s trial and error, experimenting in her kitchen she Invented a unique hair removal product she called “Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Gel.”

With no business skills or experience, but plenty of determination, Sue successfully marketed her new product firstly at local markets and shopping centres, and then on television with enormous success.

In less than a decade, Sue Ismiel created a multi-million dollar business, with Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Gel becoming the market leader both in Australia and in the lucrative United States market.

Sue Ismiel has built on the enormous success of that single product by launching new brands and new products under the Nad’s range with the focus of naturally-based products.

Sue’s daughters Natalie and Nadine also work for the family company.

Her business success has been recognised by numerous awards including 2002 Enrst & Young National Entrpreneur of the Year (Retail, Consumer and Industrial Products); 2002 Sydney Business Bulletin’s Business Star of the Year and 2002 Sydney Business Review, Businesswoman of the Year.

As a Christian, Sue Ismiel believes that with success comes obligation, and supports numerous charity and community organizations.

Content updated July 06, 2005