Friday November 7, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study published in the Sep 2008 issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that testosterone therapy may be used to improve all domains of sexual function in postmenopausal women who experience hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

The review study found "Surgically menopausal women receiving testosterone experience significant increases in total satisfying sexual activity vs. women receiving placebo, significant improvement in all domains of sexual function, and decreases in personal distress, with a favorable safety profile."

The review by Kingsberg S. A. and colleagues of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine covered research on the physiologic effects of testosterone in postmenopausal women, the effects of transdermal testosterone delivery in surgically menopausal women with HSDD, and ongoing studies of a transdermal testosterone gel.

An estimated 20 to 53 percent of all women in the United States suffer hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The problem is particularly obvious among women who experience surgical menopause.   This condition is often associated with a decrease in androgen levels as a result of aging or bilateral oophorectomy and because of this it is believed that use of testosterone boosts sexual desire in postmenopausal women.

The researchers concluded "Testosterone deficiency may be considered among the underlying causes of HSDD."

One recent trial led by Susan Davis of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and colleagues further confirmed that testosterone may be used to treat HSDD in postmenopausal women.

The trial showed use of 300 micrograms of testosterone per day through Intrinsa testosterone patches made by Procter & Gamble doubled the monthly sexual episodes in women.

The only problem with this testosterone treatment is the side or adverse effects. The adverse effects observed during the one-year trial included an increased risk of breast cancer and hair growth.   Breast cancer was diagnosed in four of the 534 women treated with the male hormone, but none in the 277 placebo recipients.

The study was published in the November 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Currently, testosterone is available to women in the United States only via off-label prescribing or by unregulated compounding of testosterone preparations, according to Kingsberg.    Long term trials are needed to evaluate the long-term safety of the testosterone patch in women with HSDD.

In addition to the testosterone patches, women who have concerns about their sex life may consider changing their lifestyle.  Stresses, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet and many types of medications have been known to have a negative impact on their sexual life.