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Testosterone for low libido in postmenopausal women?
1University of Washington, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA, Tel.: +1 206 221 0519, , mylang@u.washington.edu.
Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism
|June 8, 2012
Summary
Testosterone therapy alone effectively improved hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women. Estradiol may not be essential, but further research is needed on cancer risks.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women is controversial.
- Existing testosterone therapies often recommend concurrent estradiol, raising safety concerns for postmenopausal women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of testosterone therapy alone for HSDD in postmenopausal women.
- To determine if estradiol is essential for testosterone's beneficial effects on sexual function.
Main Methods:
- A large, year-long, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Investigated testosterone therapy as a standalone treatment for HSDD.
Main Results:
- Testosterone therapy alone demonstrated efficacy in improving sexual function for postmenopausal women with HSDD.
- Findings suggest estradiol may not be necessary for testosterone's positive effects.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone monotherapy shows promise for treating HSDD in postmenopausal women.
- Further long-term studies are required to assess potential risks, including breast and endometrial cancer.
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