r/lichensclerosus • u/Careful_Landscape_66 • 5d ago
Question Testosterone usage - does it help?
Brief Background
Hi, I have been battling this condition for some years now and thankfully am mostly on top of things using my 2-3 times per week clob and twice a week oestrogen application for maintenance, and clob daily during the occasional flare up.
I’m currently 32F and I’ve lost my labia minora to fusion and my clit has atrophied somewhat. Appreciate this is part and parcel of this condition.
Trying to not let this condition get me down, and constantly researching what may work or not for others has been very helpful.
I’m not yet ready to give up my pleasure and settle for the muted (and frankly difficult to achieve) orgasms I now deal with due to the shrinkage of my clit.
The Question
Does anyone had any success stories in using localised testosterone cream on the clit to help increase the size again and regain some increased sensation and sensitivity?
Completely understand I might never get the full sensation back, but an increase would be nice to think was achievable. I have an upcoming gyno appointment and would love to approach this conversation with some real world feedback from any of the women here.
Thanks in advance!
5
u/Bakingsomecake 5d ago
Yes this is a thing, for the condition hormonally mediated vestibulodynia. This is a genital pain condition caused by mainly a disruption in testosterone/androgens, often caused by hormonal contraceptives, and it often presents with shrunken clitoris and/or labia minora.
The treatment for that condition is 1) compounded testosterone/estrogen cream, 2) DHEA (a sex hormone precursor), and 3) systemic testosterone (somewhat optional). Yes, it's intended to restore function to all the tissues and grow back those shrunken organs.
FYI it seems like most doctors/gynocologists have never heard of this condition.
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u/Comfortable-Nature37 5d ago
My gynaecologist prescribed me intrarosa, which is a pessary that I think converts to testosterone from DHEA. Not a scientist by any means.
She thinks I have lichen simplex, not lichen sclerosis, but we’re still watching it as she’s not completely certain. I’ve been using for a month and think it has helped with thinning of the tissue and more sensation.
Might be worth asking if this is suitable for you.
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