The Use of Testosterone After Menopause

In 2004, Susan R. Davis conducted a review on the use of testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women. The review found that testosterone therapy, when used with estrogen, could improve sexual satisfaction and mood in surgically menopausal women. However, data was less substantial for naturally menopausal and premenopausal women. The long-term safety of combined estrogen-testosterone therapy was unclear, and the effects of testosterone-only therapy were unknown. The review warned of the risk of masculinization and other serious side effects from inappropriate or excessive testosterone use. Testosterone implants, delivering a 50 mg dose, were approved in the UK and shown to be effective for 4 to 6 months. Other delivery systems, such as a transdermal patch, gel, cream, and spray, were under clinical research. Testosterone was contraindicated in women who were pregnant, lactating, could conceive, or had a known or suspected androgen-dependent neoplasm, as well as those with a history of acne, hirsutism, or androgenic alopecia. The review suggested that all postmenopausal women on testosterone therapy should also be on estrogen therapy.