The role of testosterone in menopausal hormone treatment. What is the evidence?
About 40% of postmenopausal women have decreased sexual desire, causing distress. Estrogen therapy attenuates vaginal complaints but has no effect on sexual desire. Although sexual function has been linked to testosterone, there is no clear relation between sexual desire and circulating levels of testosterone. Nevertheless, treatment with transdermal (patch) testosterone improved sexual function in several randomized controlled trials. Women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder who were treated with testosterone reported more satisfying sexual episodes and sexual desire compared with the placebo group. Adverse effects were mild. However, there is no testosterone drug designed for women available on the European market. Consequently, women who opt for testosterone treatment have to use preparations made for men with a high drug concentration. Adequate dosage for women is therefore challenging. A trial of 5 mg transdermal testosterone (gel or cream) daily or less has been suggested, followed by close monitoring of side effects and hormone level.
['Johansen|Nora|N|', 'Lindén Hirschberg|Angelica|A|', 'Moen|Mette H|MH|0000-0001-6013-2409']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D005260:Female D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy D006801:Humans D008875:Middle Aged D017698:Postmenopause D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological D013739:Testosterone
testosterone menopause drug treatment practice guidelines as topic sexual dysfunction