A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of testosterone cream on the sexual motivation of menopausal hysterectomized women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder

Objectives To assess the safety and efficacy of 10 mg topical testosterone therapy daily (2 cm Andro-Feme (R) cream) as a treatment for low sexual desire in postmenopausal hysterectomized women who were already on transdermal estrogen. Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study (each period being of 3 months' duration) was performed in the research center of a tertiary referral women's hospital. Thirty-six menopausal healthy women were recruited who had undergone a hysterectomy, who were not depressed, were in a stable relationship and who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for low sexual desire, as measured by the Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women (BISF-W). Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was improvement in the sexuality score as measured by a validated tool (BISF-W); secondary measures were sub-scores of the BISF-W, effect on mood and energy, lipids and testosterone levels. Results Testosterone cream significantly improved sexual desire, frequency of sex, receptivity and initiation as measured by the BISF-W score. It did not change mood, energy, lipids, blood pressure or weight over the study period. Conclusions Testosterone cream significantly improved sexual scores in menopausal women with low sexual desire. It was effective, easy to use and had no side-effects over the 3-month period of active treatment. It offers a novel and acceptable method of administering testosterone to menopausal women.