This study involved a group of post-menopausal women randomised to either receive 50mg estradiol (in the form of an implant) alone or with 50mg testosterone. Their bone mineral density (BMD) and sexuality was studied across a 2-year period. For all women in the study, there was a significant increase in BMD of total body, lumbar vertebrae and hip area after receiving hormone therapy. However, for women receiving testosterone, their BMD increased more rapidly at all sites, and there were also notable improvements to total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total body fat. For women receiving testosterone, there was also a significant improvement in their sexuality which was measured by variety of parameters, including activity, satisfaction and pleasure. This finding emphasises the value of testosterone for diminished libido, which is common among post-menopausal women.
