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Androgen therapy for menopausal women
1Loyola University Chicago, School of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA. ecarlso@luc.edu
Clinical Excellence for Nurse Practitioners : the International Journal of NPACE
|February 25, 2003
Summary
Menopause often causes a significant drop in testosterone, impacting sexual desire and well-being, especially after surgical or chemical menopause. Nurse practitioners can identify these issues and offer androgen therapy to improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Women's Health
- Menopause Management
Background:
- The number of menopausal women is increasing globally.
- Menopause is associated with declining levels of endogenous estrogen and testosterone.
- Reduced testosterone significantly impacts sexual function and overall well-being in menopausal women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the impact of testosterone decline during menopause.
- To emphasize the role of nurse practitioners in managing menopause-related symptoms.
- To advocate for the consideration of androgen therapy in specific menopausal populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on menopause and hormone changes.
- Analysis of the effects of testosterone reduction on quality of life.
- Identification of clinical roles for healthcare providers in managing these changes.
Main Results:
- Testosterone decline is pronounced in surgically or chemically induced menopause.
- Diminished sexual desire and reduced feelings of well-being are common consequences.
- Nurse practitioners are well-positioned for early identification and intervention.
Conclusions:
- Androgen therapy should be considered for menopausal women experiencing testosterone deficiency.
- Early identification and management by nurse practitioners can improve patient quality of life.
- Further research into optimal androgen replacement strategies for menopausal women is warranted.