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Androgen and menopause.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. wsomboonporn@yahoo.com
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|June 24, 2006
Summary
Testosterone therapy can improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, especially those with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. More research is needed on long-term risks and identifying optimal candidates for this treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Androgen therapy is increasingly utilized for postmenopausal women.
- The primary indication for testosterone therapy is to enhance sexual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on testosterone and sexual function in postmenopausal women.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of testosterone therapy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of randomized controlled trials and Cochrane Reviews.
Main Results:
- Testosterone therapy, combined with hormone therapy, shows short-term benefits for sexual function, particularly in surgically menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
- Endogenous testosterone levels and menopausal changes are still debated.
- Adverse lipid profile effects are noted, mainly with oral methyltestosterone; long-term risks are largely unknown.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone therapy is a potential treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women, especially after surgical menopause.
- Further research is required to determine optimal patient selection and long-term safety profiles.