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 .
Esterified estrogens combined with methyltestosterone improve emotional well-being in postmenopausal women with chest pain and normal coronary angiograms
Objective The cardiac syndrome X is described as the triad of angina pectoris , a positive exercise test for myocardial ischemia , and angiographically smooth coronary arteries . Although syndrome X does not result in an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality , the symptoms are often troublesome and unresponsive to conventional antianginal therapy . The majority of patients are postmenopausal , and estrogen therapy can alleviate anginal symptoms . We investigated the effect of esterified estrogens combined with methyltestosterone ( Estratest ) on quality of life in postmenopausal women with syndrome X. Design Patients were withdrawn from  antianginal therapy . Sublingual nitrates were allowed for treatment of anginal episodes . Patients underwent treadmill testing , and quality of life was assessed by using the Short Form-36 and Cardiac Health Profile question naires after the women had received 8 weeks of Estratest or identical placebo in a r and omized , double-blind , cross-over study . Results Nineteen patients were r and omized , and 16 patients completed the protocol .  Plasma 17&bgr;-estradiol concentrations were significantly increased by Estratest ; however , total testosterone levels were not . The “ emotional ” score of the Cardiac Health Profile question naire was significantly improved after Estratest use compared with placebo ( p = 0.03 ) ; however , there was no significant change in the Short Form-36 question naire for any variable . Estratest significantly increased systolic blood pressure and rate pressure product at rest but had no effect on exercise parameters . Time to onset of chest pain during exercise was also unaffected . Conclusions We have demonstrated a beneficial effect of Estratest on emotional well-being in postmenopausal women with cardiological syndrome X. There was no significant treatment effect on exercise parameters , including time to onset of chest pain
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 .