Fertility and Sterility
Volume 77, Supplement 4 , Pages 49-54, April 2002

Randomized clinical trials of combined estrogen-androgen preparations: effects on sexual functioning☆

  • Barbara B Sherwin, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Barbara B. Sherwin, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, McGill University, Stewart Biology Building, 1205 Dr. Penfield Ave., Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1 Canada (FAX: 514-398-4896)
    • Departments of Psychology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Received 16 October 2001; received in revised form 22 January 2002; accepted 22 January 2002.

Abstract 

Objective: To review the randomized controlled trials of the efficacy of combined estrogen-androgen (E-A) preparations on sexual functioning in postmenopausal women.

Patient(s): Naturally and surgically menopausal women.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Changes in aspects of sexual functioning.

Result(s): In general, a high degree of agreement exists among the findings of these well-controlled trials that combined E-A preparations enhance psychological well-being as well as sexual desire and interest and, sometimes, increases the frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm compared with estrogen-alone treatment in both naturally and surgically postmenopausal women

Conclusion(s): In selected cases, combined E-A therapy can enhance the quality of life for both naturally and surgically postmenopausal women.

Keywords:  Estrogen, androgen, replacement therapy, menopause, sexuality, psychological well-being

 

☆ The preparation of this manuscript was supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (No. MA-11623) awarded to Dr. Barbara B. Sherwin.

PII: S0015-0282(02)03002-9

Fertility and Sterility
Volume 77, Supplement 4 , Pages 49-54, April 2002

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