New research indicates that postmenopausal women using testosterone therapy may encounter increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. This study was presented at The Menopause Society’s annual meeting in San Diego and involved over 6,000 postmenopausal women aged 45 and older. It compared those who received testosterone therapy with those who did not, excluding women with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
Research findings revealed that 3.8% of women on testosterone therapy experienced a first-time cardiovascular event, while only 0.5% of those not on the therapy did. These events covered heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and similar cardiovascular complications.
Testosterone plays a role in sexual desire and influences muscle, bone health, mood, and cognition. This hormone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Dr. Anna Cabeca, a Dallas-based OB-GYN and menopause specialist, emphasized the significance of these findings. She noted a noticeable difference between the two groups and stressed careful interpretation of the data. Dr. Cabeca was not part of the study but suggests thorough health evaluations for women considering testosterone therapy. Doctors should assess heart history, blood pressure, cholesterol, metabolic health, medications, and family history.
While testosterone can enhance sexual desire in some postmenopausal women, potential benefits must be balanced against risks. Dr. Cabeca recommends controlled dosing, regular monitoring, and frequent lab checks for those undergoing therapy.
The study has limitations. It was observational, meaning it examined outcomes for those already on testosterone instead of running a controlled trial. Thus, it can imply a link between testosterone use and cardiovascular events but cannot establish causation. Other factors, such as age, blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, might have influenced the results.
Dr. Cabeca notes that this study serves as a safety signal warranting further investigation, not as conclusive proof of causation.
The study’s researchers were contacted for comment on these findings.
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