Primary Care Use of Testosterone Therapy to Benefit Women Experiencing Distress Related to Decreased Sexual Desire After Surgical Menopause

January 2019

Damian Rawnsley

testosterone therapy surgical menopause bilateral oophorectomy testosterone levels

TLDR Testosterone therapy may help women with low sexual desire after surgical menopause.

The document reviewed the potential benefits of testosterone therapy for women experiencing decreased sexual desire following surgical menopause, specifically after bilateral oophorectomy, which leads to a significant drop in testosterone levels. Despite the lack of licensed testosterone products for women in Canada, the review aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for nurse practitioners in primary care on how to prescribe, monitor, and evaluate testosterone therapy safely. The review highlighted the need for clinical research and education to support the use of testosterone therapy in improving sexual desire in these women.

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Research cited in this study

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research Testosterone in Women: Measurement and Therapeutic Use

12 citations , March 2017 in “Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada”

Testosterone therapy can modestly improve sexual function in menopausal women but should be used cautiously and is not recommended for routine measurement in sexual dysfunction or hirsutism.

research Androgens and Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction—Findings From the Fourth International Consultation of Sexual Medicine

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.

research Androgen Therapy in Women: A Reappraisal: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

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.

research The North American Menopause Society Recommendations for Clinical Care of Midlife Women

254 citations , September 2014 in “Menopause”

The NAMS 2014 recommendations guide healthcare providers on treating health issues in midlife women, emphasizing individualized care and informed decision-making.

research Pharmacokinetics of a Transdermal Testosterone Cream in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

18 citations , May 2014 in “Menopause”

A 5 mg dose of transdermal testosterone cream effectively restores testosterone levels in postmenopausal women.

research Androgen Treatment of Postmenopausal Women

28 citations , May 2013 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”

Testosterone therapy can improve sexual desire and function in postmenopausal women but should be used cautiously and not based solely on testosterone levels.

research The Safety of Testosterone Therapy in Women

11 citations , September 2012 in “Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada”

Testosterone therapy seems safe for short-term use in postmenopausal women with low sexual desire, but more research on long-term effects is needed.

research Testosterone Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women

46 citations , January 2008 in “Climacteric”

Testosterone therapy can help improve sexual desire and function in postmenopausal women but may cause side effects and is not FDA-approved for this use.

research Safety of Testosterone Treatment in Postmenopausal Women

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.

research Controversies Regarding Transdermal Androgen Therapy in Postmenopausal Women

31 citations , September 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Testosterone therapy may slightly improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, but its long-term safety is unknown.

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research Androgen Therapy in Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

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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.

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