FROM THE EDITOR

Testosterone as magic bullet

Women in menopause continue to ask their health care providers for the “magic bullet” that will bring back their sexual desire. it is commonly believed that testosterone is the answer, since this hormone declines with age. But what are the risks of testosterone therapy for women, and what is the potential benefit? Clearly, other issues may also play a role in decreased sexual desire and should be considered, including increased demands from work and family, depression, and the onset of health problems such as hypothyroidism.

In this issue of Menopausal Medicine, Susan R. Davis, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, and Sonia L. Davison, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, provide a focused review on the role of endogenous testosterone in female physiology and sexual health and the current evidence on testosterone therapy for menopausal women with low sexual desire.

While clinicians in Australia and some European countries can prescribe a testosterone cream, a transdermal patch, or a subcutaneous implanted pellet for women, clinicians in the United States are limited to off-label testosterone preparations, since no testosterone product is FDA approved for use in women. ongoing studies focused on testosterone gel treatment and breast and cardiovascular safety may provide new treatment options in the future.

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