Women’s sex drive treatment linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke
A study of postmenopausal women found that testosterone therapy was associated with a higher rate of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. The findings raise a safety concern, while experts stress that the research cannot show the treatment caused the events.
The study compared more than 6,000 women aged 45 and over who had no history of cardiovascular disease: 3.8% of those receiving testosterone had a first cardiovascular event, compared with 0.5% of those not receiving it. The observational research was presented at a Menopause Society meeting in San Diego. A menopause specialist said treatment decisions should consider each patient’s health and involve careful dosing and monitoring; further research is needed.
In short
- Testosterone users had more cardiovascular events in the study.
- Rates were 3.8% among users and 0.5% among non-users.
- The observational findings show a link, not proof of cause.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The observed difference in cardiovascular events is a meaningful safety signal, so clinicians and patients should take it seriously when weighing testosterone therapy. Even though the study cannot establish cause and effect, careful patient selection, conservative dosing and monitoring are prudent while more evidence is gathered.
The case against
The study was observational, so differences between women who received testosterone and those who did not could explain the higher event rate; it does not show that the treatment caused heart attacks or strokes. The findings alone therefore do not establish that therapy should be withheld from suitable patients, and decisions can reasonably be made case by case with attention to health history, dosing and monitoring.
Explained simply
Testosterone is a hormone found in women as well as men, and its levels can fall with age. Some postmenopausal women are prescribed testosterone to help with low sexual desire, although treatment and availability vary.
The treatment is intended to address a concern that can affect wellbeing after menopause. Heart attacks and strokes are cardiovascular events, in which the heart or brain is harmed when its blood supply is disrupted. Researchers study whether medicines are linked to such events because safety can affect decisions about their use.
A study comparing women who did and did not receive testosterone can identify an association, but it cannot by itself show that the treatment caused a difference. Other health factors may also help explain the results, so clinicians weigh a patient’s circumstances and monitor treatment.
Art Culture Health Medicine Mental Health Research Science World