Exogenous Testosterone's Effects in Menopausal Women: A Matter of Dosage?

Although androgen administration can augment sexuality as well as musculoskeletal parameters in menopausal women, data are insufficient to address the dosages and serum levels of testosterone needed to achieve these benefits. Investigators randomized post-hysterectomy menopausal women (mean total and free testosterone levels, 13.0 ng/dL and 2.2 pg/mL, respectively [below the range for healthy premenopausal women]) to 12 weeks of transdermal estradiol (0.05 mg daily) followed by 24 weekly intramuscular injections of placebo or testosterone enanthate at doses of 3.0 mg, 6.0mg, 12.5mg, or 25.0 mg while continuing transdermal estrogen.

In 62 evaluable women who received testosterone, total and free serum testosterone levels increased in a dose-d…