Testosterone therapy in women: a review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Sexual Medicine
• Women's Health

Background:

• Female sexual dysfunction is complex, with androgens crucial for sexual interest and desire.
• Low androgen levels in women stem from factors like aging, oophorectomy, and oral estrogen use.
• Symptoms include diminished libido, fatigue, and a lack of well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of off-label androgen therapy for female sexual interest and desire disorder.
• To assess testosterone's impact on various aspects of sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trials investigating testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women with loss of libido.
• Analysis of studies examining the addition of testosterone to estrogen therapy.

Main Results:

• Testosterone therapy, particularly when combined with estrogen, significantly improved libido, desire, arousal, and satisfaction.
• Controlled trials up to two years showed good tolerance and no serious side effects with low-dose testosterone.
• Testosterone therapy demonstrated efficacy in treating Women's Sexual Interest and Desire Disorder in adequately estrogenized postmenopausal women.

Conclusions:

• Testosterone therapy is a viable option for postmenopausal women experiencing androgen deficiency and Women's Sexual Interest and Desire Disorder.
• Low-dose testosterone regimens are considered safe and effective for improving sexual function in this population.
• Further consideration of testosterone therapy for symptomatic androgen-deficient women is warranted based on current evidence.