Testosterone use in postmenopausal women
Alejandra Martínez, Susan R. Davis
Abstract
The physiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of testosterone in women's health are still a matter of controversy and debate. Quality evidence data of clinical trials favors the use of transdermal testosterone in postmenopausal women with female sexual dysfunction causing distress. Doses of testosterone should approximate physiological testosterone levels found in premenopausal women, avoiding supraphysiological concentrations that expose women to adverse events. Short-term treatment periods have been shown to be effective and safe in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder/dysfunction. However, long-term safety of testosterone use must be determined.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineTestosterone (patch)Sexual dysfunctionAdverse effectPostmenopausal womenLibidoHypoactive sexual desire disorderQuality of life (healthcare)DistressMenopauseSexual desireInternal medicinePhysiologyEndocrinologyGynecologyClinical psychologyHuman sexualityNursingGender studiesSociologySexual function and dysfunction studiesHormonal and reproductive studiesOvarian function and disorders