Testosterone therapy improves sexual function in postmenopausal women, group says

Testosterone therapy appears to improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, primarily the symptoms of sexual desire, arousal, and orgasmic response, according to an evidence-based position statement from The North American Menopause Society. The statement recommends the following:

• Transdermal patches or topical gels or creams may be preferred over oral products, but only oral and intramuscular testosterone products for women are currently government approved.

• Products formulated for men provide excessive doses for women and should not be used unless doses are reduced and blood testosterone levels are monitored.

• Testosterone therapy should be administered at the lowest dose for the shortest time that meets treatment goals.

• Laboratory testing of testosterone levels should be used only to monitor for supraphysiologic testosterone levels before and during therapy, not to diagnose testosterone insufficiency.

The statement is published in Menopause (2005; 12:497-511).