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Published on: August 13, 2019
Testosterone replacement therapy in the climacteric: benefits beyond sexuality
Hugo Maia1, Julio Casoy, Jorge Valente
1CEPARH, Rua Caetano Moura 35, Salvador, Brazil. ceparh@uol.com.br
Summary
Testosterone therapy during menopause offers benefits beyond sexuality by boosting androgens and stimulating estrogen production. It also improves well-being through increased beta-endorphins.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Menopause Research
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
Background:
- Testosterone therapy during menopause has extragonadal benefits due to androgen receptors and conversion to estrogens.
- Bioavailability of androgens depends on production and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels.
- Tibolone inhibits SHBG, increasing free testosterone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss testosterone therapy during menopause.
- To explore the use of tibolone with testosterone for androgen replacement.
- To examine low-dose testosterone, tibolone, or their combination in perimenopausal women with androgen deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Review of testosterone's role in menopause.
- Discussion of tibolone's effect on SHBG and testosterone bioavailability.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies for androgen deficiency during climacteric.
Main Results:
- Testosterone therapy provides benefits beyond sexuality, including improved well-being.
- Testosterone therapy stimulates estrogen production in aromatase-expressing tissues.
- Tibolone enhances free testosterone levels by inhibiting SHBG.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone therapy is beneficial during menopause, impacting sexuality and well-being.
- Combining tibolone with testosterone offers a therapeutic option for androgen replacement.
- Low-dose testosterone or tibolone may address androgen deficiency symptoms in perimenopausal women.
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