Global consensus statement on use of testosterone therapy in women

Takeaway

• Societies from across the world have released a global position statement regarding the use of testosterone therapy in women.

Why this matters

• Testosterone therapy has no clear indication in women, and is associated with uncertain benefits and risks.

Key recommendations

• The only evidence-based indication is hypoactive sexual desire disorder/dysfunction (HSDD), with data supporting a moderate therapeutic effect.
• There is little evidence for severe adverse events, although women at high cardiometabolic risk were excluded from study populations; long-term safety remains unclear.
• HSDD diagnosis requires full clinical assessment, and other factors contributing to female sexual dysfunction should be addressed before testosterone therapy.
• Male testosterone formulations can be used with female dosing levels and regular blood monitoring.
• Use of compounded testosterone is not recommended.

Study design

• The statement was funded and endorsed by The International Menopause Society, The Endocrine Society, The European Menopause and Andropause Society, The International Society for Sexual Medicine, The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, The North American Menopause Society, Federacion Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Climaterio y Menopausia, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The International Society of Endocrinology, The Endocrine Society of Australia, and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.