| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Oophorectomy reduces serum testosterone levels. We studied the efficacy and safety of transdermal testosterone in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in surgically menopausal women. METHODS: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial was conducted in women (aged 24-70 years) who developed distressful low sexual desire after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy and who were receiving oral estrogen therapy. Women were randomized to receive placebo (n = 119) or testosterone patches in dosages of 150 microg/d (n = 107), 300 microg/d (n = 110), or 450 microg/d (n = 111) twice weekly for 24 weeks. Sexual desire and frequency of satisfying sexual activity were primary efficacy outcome measures. RESULTS: Of the 447 women randomized, 318 (71%) completed the trial. Compared with placebo, women receiving the 300-microg/d testosterone patch had significantly greater increases from baseline in sexual desire (67% vs 48%; P = .05) and in frequency of satisfying sexual activity (79% vs 43%; P = .049). The 150-microg/d group showed no evidence of a treatment effect. The 450-microg/d group also was not statistically different from the 300-microg/d or placebo groups. Marginally significant linear dose-response trends were observed for total satisfying sexual activity and sexual desire at 24 weeks (P = .06 and .06, respectively). Adverse events occurred with similar frequency in both groups; no serious safety concerns were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The 300-microg/d testosterone patch increased sexual desire and frequency of satisfying sexual activity and was well tolerated in women who developed hypoactive sexual desire disorder after surgical menopause. |
| Authors | Glenn D Braunstein, Dale A Sundwall, Molly Katz, Jan L Shifren, John E Buster, James A Simon, Gloria Bachman, Oscar A Aguirre, Johna D Lucas, Cynthia Rodenberg, Akshay Buch, Nelson B Watts
(Affiliation: Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif, 90048, USA. Glenn.Braunstein at cshs.org)
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| Journal | Archives of internal medicine
(Arch Intern Med)
Vol. 165
Issue 14
Pg. 1582-9
(Jul 25 2005)
ISSN: 0003-9926 United States |
| PMID | 16043675
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
| Chemical References |
- Androgens
- Estrogens
- Gonadal Steroid Hormones
- Testosterone
|
| Topics |
- Administration, Cutaneous
- Adult
- Aged
- Androgens
(administration & dosage)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Estrogens
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Gonadal Steroid Hormones
(blood)
- Humans
- Hysterectomy
- Menopause, Premature
(drug effects)
- Middle Aged
- Ovariectomy
(adverse effects)
- Sexual Behavior
(drug effects)
- Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
(blood, drug therapy, etiology)
- Testosterone
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Treatment Outcome
|
