Testosterone use in postmenopausal women

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.

摘要

睾酮在女性生理, 临床和治疗方面仍存在争议和争论。临床试验的质量证据数据支持在受性功能障碍困扰的绝经后妇女中应用经皮睾酮。睾酮的剂量应接近绝经前妇女体内的生理水平, 避免超生理浓度的睾酮使妇女暴露于不良事件。已证实短期治疗用于性欲减退/性功能障碍的绝经后妇女的有效性和安全性。但必须确认应用睾酮的长期安全性。

Keywords:

• Testosterone
• postmenopausal women
• female sexual dysfunction

Potential conflicts of interest

Dr Davis reports having received honoraria from Besins Healthcare and Pfizer Australia and has been a consultant to Mayne Pharmaceuticals, Lawley Pharmaceuticals and Que Oncology.

Source of funding

Nil.