Review of the Literature on Different Aspects of Testosterone Therapy for Women

Abstract

Testosterone is necessary for general well- being, mental and physical health. Testosterone level decreases with age. Women also benefit from testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy improves mood, mental and physical health. Testosterone therapy mitigates risk of cardiovascular event and improves measures of body habitus and can be considered as an adjuvant therapy for weigh loss. Pre-treatment with testosterone seems promising to improve the success of In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) in patients with ovarian failure. Transdermal testosterone use by postmenopausal woman does not influence mammographic density leading to probable misdiagnoses. The only evidence-based indication for testosterone therapy for women is for the treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). No female testosterone product has been approved by national regulatory authority due to the lack of data concerning efficacy and safety of these preparations in women.

The Role of Testosterone in Hypoactive Sexual Desire in Postmenopausal Women – An Intergrative Review

“…Jayasena et al (2019) reported improvements in sexual function and bone mineral density but caution against the unclear long-term safety profile (20). Similarly, Osborne (2013) and Abedi et al (2023) highlight the uncertain safety landscape due to limited efficacy and safety data for testosterone treatment on HSDD condition (48,49). Jiang et al (2021) point out the higher incidence of side effects and elevated hormone levels compared to FDAapproved therapies (50).…”