TLDR 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.
The document from 2014 provides updated clinical practice guidelines for the use of androgens in women, specifically testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It recommends against diagnosing androgen deficiency syndrome due to the lack of a well-defined syndrome and correlating data, and advises against the general use of T and DHEA for various conditions such as infertility, sexual dysfunction (except hypoactive sexual desire disorder), cognitive, cardiovascular, metabolic, or bone health, or general well-being, due to insufficient evidence of safety and efficacy. The guidelines suggest a trial of T therapy for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, with monitoring for signs of androgen excess. The document also discusses the need for future research to improve androgen assays, define normal ranges, and clarify the role of androgens in women's health.
46 citations,
May 2009 in “Maturitas” Taking DHEA for a year is generally safe for postmenopausal women but may cause acne and more facial hair without improving metabolism or aging.
282 citations,
October 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” The Endocrine Society advised against routine testosterone therapy for women, citing a need for more research on long-term safety and a clear definition of androgen deficiency.
1 citations,
April 2006 in “Seminars in Reproductive Medicine” Androgen therapy might help some women with low libido, but it has risks and should be used carefully.
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.
8 citations,
February 2009 in “Current Women's Health Reviews” Testosterone treatment can improve sexual function and bone density in women but may have adverse effects and requires more research on safety and guidelines.
75 citations,
February 2016 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Androgens play a role in female sexual function, and testosterone therapy can help women with low sexual desire, but more research is needed on treatments and long-term safety.
282 citations,
October 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” The Endocrine Society advised against routine testosterone therapy for women, citing a need for more research on long-term safety and a clear definition of androgen deficiency.
