Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits and risks associated with testosterone treatment for postmenopausal women. Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life marked by a decline in the production of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. However, testosterone is also a hormone naturally produced by women, and it should be replenished when its production decreases. Although testosterone is not yet available for women due to lack of approval from the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration), both research and clinical work have indicated its efficacy in addressing various symptoms of testosterone deficiency, including a diminished interest in sexual activity and weight gain. The objective of this article is to assess the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women by reviewing research and clinical studies that explore its use, as well as the associated side effects and risks. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted, involving searches in databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using filters related to the topic. Initially, 42 published works were identified. Additional criteria, such as "prospective cohort studies" and "randomized clinical trials," were then applied to refine the results. The search had no language restrictions or time limitations, yielding 9 potentially relevant articles for the review. Results: However, this analysis utilized eight articles of the clinical trial or randomized trial type, retrieved from PUBMED and Google Scholar databases, highlighting the safety and effectiveness of testosterone in women. Conclusions: Following the conducted search, it was concluded that testosterone proves to be an effective treatment for postmenopausal women experiencing decreased sexual activity. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that further research is imperative to validate its effectiveness in treating premenopausal women, as well as ensuring its safety in long-term treatment
Publisher
Salud, Ciencia y Tecnologia