Women taking estrogen plus testosterone reported significant increases in sexual sensation and desire. Testosterone benefited all subjects The women taking estrogen plus testosterone reported significant increases in sexual sensation and desire and more frequent intercourse after four weeks and again at eight weeks after starting therapy. Other symptoms such as vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse, hot flashes and disturbed sleep did not change significantly with either treatment. Levels of SHBG, a protein that binds most of a woman's natural testosterone, increased in the estrogen group and decreased in the estrogen-androgen group. Lower levels of SHBG indicate higher levels of free androgens in the bloodstream.
Many previous studies corroborate the role of androgens in enhancing sexual desire in women and men.
Studies have not, however, demonstrated any significant improvement with estrogen therapy although this hormone does play a beneficial role in relieving vaginal dryness and atrophy. In this study, sexual function improved in the estrogen-androgen women even though estrogen levels were lower than before the study, further demonstrating estrogens do not play a significant role in influencing sexual desire in women. Online A free and confidential service of Yale-New Haven Hospital. Using your own criteria, you can request information from a database of 900 area physicians who have registered to participate. We would be happy to assist you in scheduling an appointment with a member of the hospital's medical staff.