English summaries
Testosterone after menopause?
Julkaistu 11.06.2010 00.01
Cessation of ovarian function is a normal phenomenon at age 50. It causes many symptoms which influence women´s quality of life. In the perimenopause the levels of FSH and LH start to increase, as a result of which estradiol decreases. The amount of total testosterone in the bloodstream falls because peripheral aromatization decreases. Accurate measurement of testosterone in women is problematic because the current laboratory tests are developed for men. Furthermore, approximately 66% of testosterone is bound to proteins: SHBG and albumin.
The amount of testosterone in females decreases with age, but the actual level is independent of menopausal status. Sexuality in females is maintained by both androgens and estrogens. Menopause includes changes in sexuality, but it is unlikely that these are explained by changes in testosterone levels. Researchers have tried to define FSD (Female Sexual Dysfunction disorder) which includes persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sexual activity, aversion to sexual activity, difficulty becoming aroused, inability to achieve orgasm and pain in sexual intercourse. Women have been treated with testosterone injections, implants, tablets and patches. Most of the studies were performed after surgical menopause and therefore testosterone was combined with estrogens. In these studies testosterone increased libido in postmenopausal women. However there are only few studies on the safety of testosterone treatment and the results are contradictory. Epidemiologic studies show that high endogenous androgen levels increase the risk for postmenopausal breast cancer, while other studies show that androgen treatment in postmenopause might protect the breast.
There is not enough information to recommend testosterone treatment for postmenopausal women who complain of loss of libido.
Marja Tiihonen, M.D., Specialist, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, marja.tiihonen@phsotey.fi
Aila Tiitinen Professor, Chief Physician, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Women’s Hospital
Finnish Medical Journal 2010;65:2085–90.
| Previous | Next | More news | |
 Käynnistä keskustelu aiheesta |
 Kerro kollegalle |
Tulosta | |
