Safety and efficacy of testosterone for women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial data

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology — Islam RM, et al. | September 23, 2019

As the benefits and risks of testosterone treatment for women with diminished sexual well-being remain controversial, researchers evaluated potential benefits and risks of testosterone for women. The study sample consisted of 8,480 candidates. According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, testosterone significantly increased sexual function, including satisfactory sexual event frequency, sexual desire, pleasure, arousal, orgasm, responsiveness, and self-image compared with placebo or a comparator (eg, oestrogen, with or without progestogen), and decreased sexual concerns and distress in postmenopausal women. Testosterone is efficient for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire causing distress, with administration through non-oral routes (eg, transdermal application) preferred due to a neutral lipid profile. Further inquiry warrants the impacts of testosterone on individual well-being and musculoskeletal and cognitive health, as well as long-term safety.