Androgen Therapy in Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

In 2006, the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline advised against the routine use of testosterone therapy in women due to the lack of a well-defined clinical syndrome of androgen deficiency and insufficient long-term safety data. The guideline highlighted the need for more sensitive assays to measure testosterone levels in women and called for further research to define androgen deficiency, understand the physiological roles of androgens, and assess the benefits and risks of androgen therapy. While there was evidence of short-term benefits of testosterone in surgically menopausal women with sexual dysfunction, the lack of long-term safety data and the absence of a clear definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder limited the recommendation for widespread use. The document also reviewed the potential effects of testosterone on various health aspects such as cognition, mood, bone health, cardiovascular function, body composition, and muscle strength, but emphasized the need for more research to clarify these effects. Additionally, it suggested monitoring for potential side effects and metabolic changes in future studies.