Effects of the addition of methyltestosterone to combined hormone therapy with estrogens and progestogens on sexual energy and on orgasm in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of the addition of methyltestosterone to estrogen and progestogen therapy on postmenopausal sexual energy and orgasm.

Methods Sixty postmenopausal women in a stable relationship with a partner capable of intercourse, and presenting sexual complaints that appeared after menopause, were randomly divided into two groups: EP (n = 29) received one tablet of equine estrogens (CEE) 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 2.5 mg and one capsule of placebo; EP + A (n = 31) received one tablet of CEE 0.625 mg plus MPA 2.5 mg and one capsule of methyltestosterone 2.0 mg; The treatment period was 12 months. The effects of treatment on sexual energy were assessed using the Sexual Energy Change Scale. The ability to reach orgasm in sexual relations with the partner was verified through monthly calendars and by calculating the ratio between monthly frequency of orgasms in sexual relations and monthly sexual frequency.

Results There was a significant relationship between improvement in level of sexual energy and the addition of methyltestosterone to CEE/MPA treatment (p = 0.021). No significant effect on orgasmic capacity was noted after the treatment period.

Conclusion Addition of methyltestosterone to CEE/MPA therapy may increase sexual energy, but might not affect the ability to obtain orgasm in sexual relations.

Key words:

• hormone therapy
• sexuality
• postmenopause
• methyltestosterone
• conjugated estrogens
• medroxyprogesterone acetate