Tulsa - This report is adult-themed and not suitable for children.
Studies show more and more women, especially baby boomers, have a problem. They lack interest in sex. Despite recent buzz, the sex patch for women is still waiting for FDA approval. But, there is help and it's local.

Whether it's in black and white or color, movies make sex look, well, sexy. But, in the real world, that kind of passion may be hard to find. If your mo has lost its jo, then it may be time to ramp up the romance -- maybe have, say a date night.

Still no desire for sex? It's time to call your doctor.

"First of all, they need to make sure they're happy in other ways," says Dr. Michelle Fugitt. "Do they have other issues? Have they had their pap smear and mammogram? Do they have abnormal bleeding? And, then have their hormones tested, because it's a balance between the hormones."

Because women don't always fess up, Dr. Fugitt includes the issue of sex drive as part of a patient questionnaire. She says a lagging libido caused by hormones can happen at any age, but is fairly common as women get older.

"You start to have a decrease in your hormones at age 30," Dr. Fugitt says. "The time I see them is usually pre-menopause, anywhere from late 30s to early 40s."

She says the key is testosterone. Women need a little of the hormone men generally have a lot of. Compounding pharmacies make a testosterone cream from scratch that is already FDA approved. Saffa Pharmacy in South Tulsa has made the cream for years. But Pharmacist Debbie Wills says they have seen a dramatic decrease in prescriptions lately."

"They usually just apply it every night at bedtime for two or three weeks and then after that they can to to several times a week once they see the levels change or any of their symptoms are diminishing, the sex drive is increasing, then they can taper off."

But, it does require a doctor's prescription because the medicine must be tailor-made for your hormonal imbalance.

"The goal is to replace what you're missing, not giving you too much. If you get too much, you will get hair growth and get male-pattern baldness, a deep voice, more acne. That's usually a sign to me that someone has too much testosterone."

If a declining sex drive doesn't bother you or your partner, there is no reason to seek treatment. You're just maturing the way nature intended. But, if it's affecting your relationship, talk with your doctor because you're not alone.

For more information about other options that might help you, including some that don't require a prescription, visit http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/sex-drive-and-menopause?page=3.