OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the efficacy of a transdermal nanoemulsion testosterone associated with transdermal estrogen therapy as a novel protocol treatment for emergent loss of libido.
METHODS:
Twenty-four women, aged 31-75 years (mean age, 51.7), with emergent loss of libido were allocated to treatment with a novel transdermal formulation of 500 µg/day of testosterone (Biolipid/B2®-testosterone) for 12 weeks, as part of an open label prospective study on peri- and post-menopausal women. Subjects applied the formulation on the right forearm. Clinical and laboratorial parameters including the sexual complaints; serum concentrations of testosterone, insulin, C-reactive protein, weight, blood pressure; body mass index and waist circumference were compared between baseline and 12 weeks after treatment.
RESULTS:
The mean total serum testosterone increased significantly (p = 0.009) after 12 weeks of treatment. No adverse or androgenic events were observed. There were positive and significant differences (p < 0.05) on sexual complaints, blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference after transdermal nanoemulsion testosterone treatment.
CONCLUSION:
This protocol is effective in increasing testosterone levels in peri- and postmenopausal women with low libido.
KEYWORDS:
androgen deficiency; menopause; nanotechnology; transdermal delivery; testosterone; nanoparticles