Should women receive androgen replacement therapy, and if so, how?

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2010 Feb;72(2):149-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03670.x. Epub 2009 Jul 24.

Abstract

The available clinical evidence supports efficacy of testosterone therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) who have undergone a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Although few preparations designed to deliver an appropriate dose of testosterone for women are available, use of testosterone by women for the management of HSDD is widespread. Issues that continue to simulate debate in this therapeutic area include whether HSDD is a condition that merits pharmacotherapy, how effective is such treatment and whether testosterone therapy is safe. Hence the question, should women receive androgen replacement therapy, and if so, how?

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / drug therapy

Substances

  • Androgens