Testosterone Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women

The 2008 document reviewed the use of testosterone therapy for treating sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women, indicating that it can improve symptoms of hypoactive sexual desire, especially after oophorectomies. Studies with varying numbers of participants, up to 562, showed improvements in sexual function, well-being, cognitive function, and bone density, but also potential side effects like hirsutism and acne. Testosterone therapy is not FDA-approved for women's sexual dysfunction, and the preferred formulations are transdermal patches and topical gels, usually combined with estrogen. The document recommends monitoring for clinical improvement and adverse reactions, and notes contraindications such as androgenic alopecia and cardiovascular or liver disease. Despite the lack of a clear link between endogenous testosterone levels and sexual dysfunction, exogenous testosterone is considered a rational treatment for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder affecting their quality of life.