Hormone Therapy Unlocked: Case Studies in Diagnosing and Managing Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Menopausal Hormone Therapy

A panel of speakers dissect real-world case studies on the complexities of diagnosing and managing hypoactive sexual desire disorder and menopausal symptoms in women.

Target Audience

This activity provides continuing education for Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Physician Assistants/ Physician Associates, Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants. A certificate of attendance is available for other attendees.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify diagnostic criteria for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and demonstrate the ability to use validated tools like the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener to guide clinical decision- making.
  2. Evaluate candidacy for testosterone therapy in women with HSDD by reviewing baseline labs (including total/free testosterone, sex hormone binding globule) and assessing informed consent for off-label use.
  3. Explain the evidence, risks, and benefits of testosterone therapy in women and design a follow-up plan, including Food and Drug Administration-approved options and monitoring protocols for labs, efficacy, and side effects.
  4. Discuss patient-centered approaches to managing HSDD, incorporating biopsychosocial elements, sexual health counseling, and shared decision-making.
  5. Assess suitability for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in women with chronic disease, using a thorough history and risk stratification based on current guidelines.
  6. Discuss the safety profile of MHT in the context of comorbidities, including cardiovascular risk, breast cancer risk, and the role of the timing hypothesis and the type of hormone used (e.g., transdermal vs oral).
  7. Formulate an individualized MHT plan and follow-up protocol, selecting the appropriate estrogen route/dose and progestogen (if uterus is intact), while considering the symptom burden and risk profile. Review optimization and adjustments during therapy.
  8. Recognize the clinical significance of untreated vasomotor symptoms, including the impact on sleep, quality of life, work productivity, and the association between persistent hot flashes and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and cognitive decline.
  9. Describe premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), including its diagnostic criteria, initial workup, treatment and manage and the unique health risks someone with POI faces.

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.50 AAPA

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.50 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Tuesday, February 15, 2028 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 1.50 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 1.50 hours for completing this activity.

  • 1.50 ACPE-Pharm

    UAN: JA4008136-0000-26-143-H01-P
    No valid paper/electronic statement of credit will be offered. DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to provide continuing education for Pharmacists. This knowledge-based activity will provide a maximum of 1.50 contact hours of pharmacy continuing education credit. Participant CE records will be electronically communicated to CPE Monitor. There is no cost to participate in this activity.

  • 1.50 ACPE-Tech

    UAN: JA4008136-0000-26-143-H01-T
    No valid paper/electronic statement of credit will be offered. DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to provide continuing education for Pharmacy Technicians. This knowledge-based activity will provide a maximum of 1.50 contact hours of pharmacy continuing education credit. Participant CE records will be electronically communicated to CPE Monitor. There is no cost to participate in this activity.

  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

    DHA J-7 CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.50 ANCC

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 1.50 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.50 AOTA

    DHA J-7 CEPO is an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Approved Provider of professional development (PD). PD activity approval ID# 13637. This Distance Learning-Interactive course is offered at 0.15 CEUs, advanced, OT service delivery, foundational knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

  • 1.50 APA

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. Participants may earn 1.50 CE credits for completing this activity.

  • 1.50 ASWB

    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, DHA J7 CEPO is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 General continuing education credits.

  • 1.50 Attendance
  • 1.50 JA CEU (IACET)

    DHA J-7 CEPO is Jointly Accredited by the Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education and has been approved to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are awarded for learning events that align with the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training. IACET is recognized internationally as a standards development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality continuing education and training. This learning event is eligible for 0.15 CEUs.

  • 1.50 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 1.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

Course opens: 
08/28/2026
Course expires: 
02/15/2028
Part of: 
Hormone Therapy Unlocked

Presenting Faculty

Headshot

Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP
Family Physician, Certified Menopause Practitioner, and Founder of Osteopathic Midlife Health

Headshot

Heather Quaile, DNP, WHNP-BC, MSCP, CSC, I.F., FAANP
Scientific Committee Chair for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and Founder of the Sexual Health Optimization and Wellness Center

Headshot

Retired Air Force Col. Christine Kress, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, MSCP
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Menopause Practitioner, Heather Hirsch MD Collaborative

HeadshotAir Force Lt. Col. Samantha Simpson, M.D., NCMP
Chief of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division and Program Director for the SAUSHEC OB/GYN Residency Program, Brooke Army Medical Center

Portions of this activity were developed with assistance from ChatGPT in July 2025 for image generation. All AI-assisted outputs were reviewed and verified for accuracy, balance, and independence prior to release. Prompts/outputs were stored outside the organization.

Disclosure: DHA J-7 staff, planners, authors, faculty, and content reviewers for this educational activity have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose. No commercial support was provided for this activity. Faculty discuss off-label use of Testosterone.

Available Credit

  • 1.50 AAPA

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.50 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Tuesday, February 15, 2028 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 1.50 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 1.50 hours for completing this activity.

  • 1.50 ACPE-Pharm

    UAN: JA4008136-0000-26-143-H01-P
    No valid paper/electronic statement of credit will be offered. DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to provide continuing education for Pharmacists. This knowledge-based activity will provide a maximum of 1.50 contact hours of pharmacy continuing education credit. Participant CE records will be electronically communicated to CPE Monitor. There is no cost to participate in this activity.

  • 1.50 ACPE-Tech

    UAN: JA4008136-0000-26-143-H01-T
    No valid paper/electronic statement of credit will be offered. DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to provide continuing education for Pharmacy Technicians. This knowledge-based activity will provide a maximum of 1.50 contact hours of pharmacy continuing education credit. Participant CE records will be electronically communicated to CPE Monitor. There is no cost to participate in this activity.

  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

    DHA J-7 CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.50 ANCC

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 1.50 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.50 AOTA

    DHA J-7 CEPO is an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Approved Provider of professional development (PD). PD activity approval ID# 13637. This Distance Learning-Interactive course is offered at 0.15 CEUs, advanced, OT service delivery, foundational knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

  • 1.50 APA

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. Participants may earn 1.50 CE credits for completing this activity.

  • 1.50 ASWB

    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, DHA J7 CEPO is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 General continuing education credits.

  • 1.50 Attendance
  • 1.50 JA CEU (IACET)

    DHA J-7 CEPO is Jointly Accredited by the Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education and has been approved to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are awarded for learning events that align with the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training. IACET is recognized internationally as a standards development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality continuing education and training. This learning event is eligible for 0.15 CEUs.

  • 1.50 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 1.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

Please login or create an account to take this course.

Requirements:  CE/CME certificates are awarded to MHS participants who fully complete the activity, successfully submit the evaluation survey, and pass the posttest with a minimum score of 80% unless noted otherwise. The deadline to claim credit is Feb 15, 2028.

Access Code/Accommodations: Some activities require an access code to register or claim CE/CME credit. For inquiries regarding the access code or accommodations, please email CEPO at [email protected]. 

For technical support, email [email protected].

 

There is no cost to participate in this activity.

Required Hardware/software