Some studies suggest that testosterone therapy has additional effects , which include increased bone mineral density and decreased serum high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol .
The clinical sequelae of oestrogen deficiency during menopause are undoubted .
However , the pathophysiological role of testosterone during the menopause is less clear .
Several r and omized , placebo-controlled clinical trials suggest that testosterone therapy improves sexual function in postmenopausal women .
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
Some studies suggest that testosterone therapy has additional effects , which include increased bone mineral density and decreased serum high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol .
The clinical sequelae of oestrogen deficiency during menopause are undoubted .
However , the pathophysiological role of testosterone during the menopause is less clear .
Several r and omized , placebo-controlled clinical trials suggest that testosterone therapy improves sexual function in postmenopausal women .