Effect of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women: a pilot study
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study undertaken in a UK specialist menopause clinic. 510 women using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with persistent low libido, cognitive and negative mood symptoms were treated with testosterone cream or gel for 4 months. A modified version of the Greene Climacteric Scale was used to measure self-reported symptom frequency and severity at baseline and 4 months after initiating treatment.
RESULTS: All nine cognitive and mood symptoms significantly improved across the study period. Mood improved more than cognition (47% of women reported an improvement in mood vs. 39% reported an improvement in cognition; 34% vs. 22% decrease in mean symptom scores, respectively). Regarding libido, 52% of women reported an improvement; mean symptom score decreased by 33%.
CONCLUSION: Transdermal testosterone therapy for 4 months was associated with significant improvements in mood and cognition. Further research including randomised clinical trials are needed to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of testosterone for the treatment of menopausal cognitive and psychological symptoms.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 510 participants or records.
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