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 .
Comparison of Oral Estrogens and Estrogens Plus Androgen on Bone Mineral Density, Menopausal Symptoms, and Lipid‐Lipoprotein Profiles in Surgical Menopause
Objective To compare an oral estrogen- and rogen combination with estrogens alone on bone , menopausal symptoms , and lipoprotein profiles in postmenopausal women . Methods Surgically menopausal women received oral esterified estrogens ( 1.25 mg ) , or esterified estrogens ( 1.25 mg ) and methyltestosterone ( 2.5 mg ) daily , for 2 years . Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hip , menopausal symptoms , lipoprotein profiles , and biochemical and hematologic indices were evaluated . Results Sixty-six patients were enrolled in the study . Both treatment regimens prevented bone loss at the spine and hip ; combined estrogen- and rogen therapy was associated with a significant increase in spinal bone mineral density compared with baseline ( n = 24 ; mean score ± st and ard error 3.4 ± 1.2 % , P < .01 ) . In the estrogen group , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol increased significantly and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly . Cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , and triglycerides decreased significantly in the estrogen- and rogen  group . Menopausal symptoms of somatic origin ( hot flashes , vaginal dryness , and insomnia ) were improved significantly by both treatments . Neither adverse hepatic effects nor significant safety or tolerance problems were reported in either group . Conclusion Oral estrogen- and rogen  increased vertebral bone mineral density compared with pre-treatment values and relieved somatic symptoms . Safety indices , including lipoprotein levels , indicated that the combination was well tolerated over the 2 years of treatment
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 .