Testosterone aromatization and cognition in women: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To explore whether inhibition of the conversion of testosterone to estradiol modifies the effects of testosterone on cognition in 61 healthy, estrogen-treated postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Seventy-six postmenopausal women using transdermal estrogen for at least 8 weeks, with a serum total testosterone less than 1.2 nmol/L participated in a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. All participants received transdermal testosterone, 400 muL of a 0.5% testosterone gel, daily and were randomized to receive either letrozole 2.5 mg/day or an identical placebo tablet. The main outcome measure was cognition, evaluated using a comprehensive battery of standardized neuropsychological tests, at baseline and week 16.


RESULTS
Thirty women in each group completed the study. Free testosterone increased from baseline in both groups, with no difference between groups. Free testosterone levels achieved were below the 90th centile for young women in 80% of the participants at week 16. Serum estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin levels did not differ from baseline or between groups during the study. No clinically significant effects of testosterone treatment were seen for attention and working memory, psychomotor speed, or executive function. Significant improvements were seen for immediate and delayed visual and verbal memory and for simple concentration with testosterone therapy, all of which were unaffected by the aromatase inhibitor.


CONCLUSIONS
We did not observe any effects of aromatase inhibition on cognition in healthy, estrogen-treated postmenopausal women treated with testosterone. This may be due to insufficient study power or a true lack of effect. However, our findings highlight that the detection of subtle changes in cognition in well women require the development of sensitive instruments and large randomized, controlled trials.
Shah
Sonal
S
NH and MRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in the Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.
Bell
Robin J
RJ
Savage
Greg
G
Goldstat
Rebecca
R
Papalia
Mary-Anne
MA
Kulkarni
Jayashri
J
Donath
Susan
S
Davis
Susan R
SR
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D000077289:Letrozole; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009570:Nitriles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017698:Postmenopause; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014230:Triazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D005782:Gels; D009570:Nitriles; D014230:Triazoles; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D000077289:Letrozole