Study Review: Effect of Testosterone Creams in Women with Low Sex Drive

Nelson Vergel

Founder, ExcelMale.com
Efficacy and safety of transdermal testosterone in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Achilli C, et al. Fertil Steril. 2016.

Authors

Achilli C1, Pundir J2, Ramanathan P1, Sabatini L1, Hamoda H3, Panay N4.

Author information
1Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
2Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: [email protected].
3King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
4Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Citation

Fertil Steril. 2016 Dec 1. pii: S0015-0282(16)62951-5. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.10.028. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and summarize the existing evidence related to the efficacy and safety of transdermal T in postmenopausal women for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

DESIGN: Systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

SETTING: Not applicable.

PATIENT(S): Seven randomized controlled trials enrolled 3,035 participants; 1,350 women were randomized to treatment with T patch, and 1,379 women were randomized to placebo.

INTERVENTION(S): None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Primary outcome: satisfying sexual episodes.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES: sexual activity, orgasm, Profile of Female Sexual Function domains (desire), personal distress score, adverse events, acne, increased hair growth, facial hair, alopecia, voice deepening, urinary symptoms, breast pain, headache, site reaction, total adverse events, serious adverse events, withdrawal from study, and follow-up rate.

RESULT(S): The T group had significantly more satisfying sexual episodes, sexual activity, orgasms, desire, significant change in Personal Distress Scale score, androgenic adverse events, acne, and hair growth compared with the placebo group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in increase in facial hair, alopecia, voice deepening, urinary symptoms, breast pain, headache, site reaction to the patch, total adverse events, serious adverse events, reasons for withdrawal from the study, and the number of women who completed the study.

CONCLUSION(S): The short-term efficacy in terms of improvement of sexual function and safety of transdermal T in naturally and surgically menopausal women affected by HSDD either on or not on estrogen progestin hormone therapy is evident from this systematic review. The use of transdermal T is associated with increase in androgenic adverse events such as acne but is not associated with any serious adverse events.
 

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Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

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Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

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The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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