TLDR Menopausal women have higher androgen levels, which can cause symptoms like facial hair growth and low sexual desire.
During the menopausal period, women experience a relative increase in androgen levels due to a significant decrease in estrogens and an increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This hormonal shift can lead to symptoms of both hyperandrogenemia, such as facial hair growth and scalp hair loss, and androgen deficiency. The latter may manifest as hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD), which is the only evidence-based indication for testosterone treatment in women. However, the response of tissues to androgens depends on their ability to regulate androgen availability. Additionally, the aging of ovarian and adrenal glands contributes to a decline in androgen levels, potentially affecting the quality of life. It is important to rule out other diseases before treating HSDD to ensure it is a direct result of androgen deficiency.
251 citations,
October 2014 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The guidelines advise against using testosterone and DHEA in women for most conditions due to safety and effectiveness concerns, but suggest considering testosterone for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire.
84 citations,
September 2014 in “European journal of endocrinology” Doctors should check for serious tumor causes of high androgen levels in postmenopausal women and more research is needed on this condition.
63 citations,
March 2011 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Evaluate postmenopausal women with high androgen levels using medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and imaging to manage health risks.
59 citations,
August 2004 in “Human Reproduction Update” Testosterone replacement can help women with low libido and mood, but they need to have enough estrogen first to avoid side effects.
6 citations,
September 2005 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy” Androgen therapy can help with symptoms like low libido in women, but more research is needed to understand its long-term safety and effects on health.
81 citations,
May 2007 in “Fertility and Sterility” Testosterone therapy seems safe for postmenopausal women for a few years, but more research is needed for long-term effects.
November 2022 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism, a condition with symptoms like increased hair growth and acne, is usually caused by PCOS but can also be due to other factors. It's diagnosed by checking testosterone levels and treated either by removing the adrenal tumor or through antiandrogen therapy.
September 2014 in “Springer eBooks” Men and women experience skin aging differently due to changes in sex hormone levels with age.
April 2006 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes” Testosterone therapy can help improve sexual function, mood, and bone density in women with low androgen levels, but more research is needed on long-term safety.
