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 .
Hormonal treatments of sexual unresponsiveness in postmenopausal women: a comparative study
Summary . Forty postmenopausal women , referred for hormone replacement therapy and all of whom reported a significant concern about a decline in their sexual interest , were r and omly allocated to one of two hormone implant  treatment groups : either oestradiol ( 50 mg ) alone , or oestradiol ( 50 mg ) and testosterone ( l00 mg ) . Comparison between the two groups as a whole revealed no significant differences on any measure , both treatments being associated with a significant reduction in the severity of psychological , somatic and vasomotor symptoms , and with a significant improvement in sexual interest and responsiveness . Similar effects were also observed in patients who denied , pretreatment , any concurrent dyspareunia .  Although it is not possible to identify the reasons for change , the results indicate no advantages of supplementary testosterone administration over oestradiol alone for sexually unresponsive postmenopausal women
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 .