The pooled estimate from the studies suggested that the addition of testosterone to HT regimens improved sexual function scores for postmenopausal women .
A significant adverse effect was a decrease in high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol levels .
However , there is evidence that adding testosterone to HT has a beneficial effect on sexual function in postmenopausal women .
There was a reduction in HDL cholesterol associated with the addition of testosterone to the HT regimens .
It is , therefore , difficult to estimate the effect of testosterone on sexual function in association with any individual hormone treatment regimen
BACKGROUND : The value of adding testosterone to hormone therapy ( HT ) for the management of peri- and postmenopausal women is controversial and has not been systematic ally review ed .
OBJECTIVES : To determine the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for peri- and postmenopausal women taking hormone therapy .
Treatment with percutanous testosterone gel in postmenopausal women with decreased libido--effects on sexuality and psychological general well-being.
OBJECTIVES To eluci date if percutanous treatment with 10 mg testosterone per day could enhance sexuality and psychological well-being in postmenopausal women presenting problems with low libido . Secondary to study the influence on blood lipids , hemoglobin and erythropoietin levels . METHODS Fifty-three postmenopausal women participated . As a complement to their already on-going HRT , 10 mg of a testosterone gel ( Testogel , Besins-Iscovesco ) or placebo was administered . Treatment continued for three plus three months in a double blind , r and omized , crossover design . RESULTS The scores concerning " frequency of sexual activity , orgasm and intercourse " , " sexual arousal , fantasies and enjoyment " , " satisfaction with orgasms " , and " interest in sex " were all significally improved for testosterone addition as compared to placebo both before and after crossover . Testosterone levels increased more than 10-fold during treatment while DHT-levels were more than doubled . Estrogen levels were not affected during the addition of testosterone . Liver enzymes , total cholesterol , triglycerides , HDL and LDL revealed no significant differences between any of the periods or groups . Endometrial thickness did not change significantly during treatment . Hemoglobin and erythropoietin remained unchanged . No significant differences in the number of experienced side effects were found . CONCLUSION Testosterone gel of 10 mg had positive effects on several aspects of sexual life such as frequency of sexual activity , orgasm , arousal , fantasies and sexual interest in postmenopausal women on HRT . Several psychological variables were positively influenced . The given dose result ed in too high serum levels . Even if no negative effects were observed , monitoring of serum levels and a decreased dose should be considered in future studies
The pooled estimate from the studies suggested that the addition of testosterone to HT regimens improved sexual function scores for postmenopausal women .
A significant adverse effect was a decrease in high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol levels .
However , there is evidence that adding testosterone to HT has a beneficial effect on sexual function in postmenopausal women .
There was a reduction in HDL cholesterol associated with the addition of testosterone to the HT regimens .
It is , therefore , difficult to estimate the effect of testosterone on sexual function in association with any individual hormone treatment regimen
BACKGROUND : The value of adding testosterone to hormone therapy ( HT ) for the management of peri- and postmenopausal women is controversial and has not been systematic ally review ed .
OBJECTIVES : To determine the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for peri- and postmenopausal women taking hormone therapy .