Androgen Treatment in Women

The document from 2007 discusses the use of testosterone therapy in women, particularly for those with symptoms of androgen deficiency such as diminished well-being, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. It highlights that testosterone has significant effects on bone, skin, hair follicles, and muscle mass, and that low levels can lead to issues like low bone mass. Studies have shown that testosterone therapy can improve sexual desire and activity, especially in postmenopausal women, often in combination with estrogen therapy. However, there are concerns about the long-term safety of testosterone therapy, including risks of hirsutism, acne, liver toxicity, cardiovascular risk, and cancer. The document emphasizes the importance of monitoring women on testosterone therapy and keeping serum testosterone levels within the high-normal range for reproductive-age women. It concludes that while testosterone therapy can be beneficial for managing androgen deficiency, particularly in postmenopausal women, it should not be used without estrogen therapy due to insufficient data on the effects of testosterone alone.