Testosterone could improve the libido of women after menopause. This hormone, attributed to masculinity, could also provide them with more sexual pleasure.
Male “virility” hormone to improve women’s sex life. This may seem surprising, but it is the result of a study published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. According to researchers from Monash University in Melbourne (Australia), who analyzed a total of 36 trials, testosterone can improve the libido of postmenopausal women.
To think that testosterone is a hormone that only men benefit from is a mistake. It also has its functions in the female body, particularly in muscle strength, mood, ability to reason. But also in the libido and the ability to have orgasms.
36 trials analyzed and nearly 9,000 participants
Study researchers analyzed trials conducted between 1990 and 2018, involving a total of 8,480 people. Each time, the trial compared a treatment with testosterone to a placebo, or else to an alternative hormonal treatment (estrogen, progestogen or both).
In their report, the study authors each examined how testosterone treatment affected sexual function, cardiovascular, cognitive, and musculoskeletal health. But also on mood, breast density, cholesterol levels and hair growth.
Positive effects on libido
Testosterone treatment has been shown to be effective on the libido of postmenopausal women. Indeed, the researchers noted an increase in the number of sexual partners, but also in the number of orgasms and a better self-image.
“The beneficial effects for postmenopausal women demonstrated in our study go beyond simply increasing the number of sexual acts per month,” says Professor Susan Davis, lead author of the study. “Some women who have regular sex report being dissatisfied with their sex life. Therefore, increasing the frequency of a positive sexual experience from ‘never’ to ‘occasionally’ or ‘once or twice a month’ can improve self-image and reduce concerns about sex – and can also improve overall well-being,” she says.
Testosterone treatment has no side effects
The researchers did not find any particular side effects. Additionally, nine of the 36 studies indicated that women were not more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
However, the way the treatment is given can have different consequences. Indeed, the Australian team found that cholesterol levels increased in participants who took oral treatment.
Finally, these conclusions need to be explored further. In particular the conditions for granting this treatment. “Almost a third of women experience low sex drive in midlife, with associated distress, but in no country does an approved formulation or product for testosterone exist, and there are no guidelines internationally accepted guidelines regarding the use of testosterone by women,” concludes Professor Davis.
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