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 .
Testosterone patch for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in naturally menopausal women: results from the INTIMATE NM1 Study
Objective : To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a testosterone patch for the treatment of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder after natural menopause . Design : A multicenter , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , parallel-group trial was conducted in naturally menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder receiving a stable dose of oral estrogen with or without progestin ( N = 549 ) . Women were r and omized to receive testosterone 300 & mgr;g/day or placebo patches twice weekly for 24 weeks . The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in frequency of total satisfying sexual activity over a 4-week period ( weeks 21 - 24 ) . Results : A total of 483 women ( 88 % ) were included in the primary analysis population ( those with baseline sex hormone binding globulin levels ≤160 nmol/L ) . The change from baseline in number of total satisfying sexual episodes was significantly greater for testosterone compared with placebo ( participants with baseline sex hormone binding globulin levels ≤160 nmol/L , mean change of 2.1 ± 0.28 versus 0.5 ± 0.23 episodes/4 weeks ; P < 0.0001 ; intent-to-treat population , mean change from baseline of 1.9 ± 0.26 versus 0.5 ± 0.21 episodes/4 weeks , P <  0.0001  ) . Testosterone also produced statistically significant improvements  compared with placebo in all secondary efficacy measures , including sexual desire and personal distress . The testosterone patch was well tolerated . Conclusions : Testosterone patch treatment increased the frequency of satisfying sexual activity and sexual desire , decreased personal distress , and was well tolerated in naturally menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder
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 .