title: Testosterone patch increases sexual activity and desire in surgically menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is one of the most common sexual problems reported by women, but few studies have been conducted to evaluate treatments for this condition.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a testosterone patch in surgically menopausal women with HSDD.
  
  
  METHODS
  The design was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 24-wk study (the Intimate SM 1 study).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was performed at private or institutional practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects studied were women, aged 26-70 yr, with HSDD after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy who were receiving concomitant estrogen therapy. Placebo (n = 279) or testosterone 300 microg/d (n = 283) was administered. There were 19 patients who withdrew due to adverse events in the placebo group and 24 in the 300 mug/d testosterone group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Testosterone (300 microg/d) or placebo patches were applied twice weekly.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary end point was the change in the frequency of total satisfying sexual activity at 24 wk. Secondary end points included other sexual functioning end points and safety assessments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 24 wk, there was an increase from baseline in the frequency of total satisfying sexual activity of 2.10 episodes/4 wk in the testosterone group, which was significantly greater than the change of 0.98 episodes/4 wk in the placebo group (P = 0.0003). The testosterone group also experienced statistically significant improvements in sexual desire and a decrease in distress. The overall safety profile was similar in both treatment groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the Intimate SM 1 study, the testosterone patch improved sexual function and decreased distress in surgically menopausal women with HSDD and was well tolerated in this trial.
authors: Women's Health Research Center (J.S.), Laurel, Maryland 20707, USA. jasimon@whrc.net
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Simon
authors: Glenn
authors: G
authors: Braunstein
authors: Lila
authors: L
authors: Nachtigall
authors: Wulf
authors: W
authors: Utian
authors: Molly
authors: M
authors: Katz
authors: Sam
authors: S
authors: Miller
authors: Arthur
authors: A
authors: Waldbaum
authors: Celine
authors: C
authors: Bouchard
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Derzko
authors: Akshay
authors: A
authors: Buch
authors: Cynthia
authors: C
authors: Rodenberg
authors: Johna
authors: J
authors: Lucas
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Davis
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects*; D008594:Menopause, Premature; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone