Hypogonadism

The role of testosterone in female sexuality is still controversial. In 2019, a meta-analysis and a Position Statement on testosterone therapy for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in menopausal women and a Position Statement on the potential sexual adverse effects of hormonal contraception have begun to close this gender gap.

Determining what constitutes a low level of testosterone is a major point of confusion in the field of testosterone deficiency — also known as hypogonadism. A recent article adds to the controversy by proposing a new, lower threshold for normal testosterone concentrations on the basis of harmonized reference ranges.

Sexual health, even into older age, is important to many people. A new paper reports that older men with hypogonadism who take testosterone experience significant improvements in sexual activity, erectile function and libido. Testosterone therapy has long been a matter of interest (and controversy) for physicians, and this study is a landmark one that is worthy of further discussion.