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Testosterone Therapy Risks Revealed for Postmenopausal Women
2 Nov
Summary
- Testosterone therapy linked to higher heart attack risk in women.
- Study found 3.8% of testosterone users had cardiovascular events.
- Researchers urge careful consideration of risks versus benefits.
New research presented last month indicates a potential link between testosterone therapy and increased cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women. The study, involving over 6,000 women aged 45 and older, found that 3.8% of participants on testosterone therapy experienced a first-time cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. This contrasts with only 0.5% of women not receiving the treatment.
While testosterone plays roles in sexual desire, mood, and bone health, experts caution that this observational study highlights a significant safety signal requiring further investigation. They stress that the observed association does not prove causation, as other health factors could be involved. Doctors are advised to conduct comprehensive health evaluations, considering individual risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol, when discussing testosterone therapy with patients.
