Longevity & AgingStudy Links Testosterone Use After Menopause to Higher Heart Risks
Testosterone therapy after menopause was associated with more cardiovascular disease in a study of electronic health records. Researchers compared 3,164 women starting testosterone with 3,164 similar women who did not use it. Within the five-year analysis window, cardiovascular disease occurred in 3.8% of testosterone users versus 0.5% of nonusers. The findings raise questions about long-term safety, but they do not prove testosterone caused the difference. Average follow-up was only 2.6 years, and unmeasured differences between groups could influence the results. No testosterone products are FDA approved for women, although clinicians sometimes prescribe male formulations off-label for low sexual desire. Women considering or already using testosterone should discuss expected benefits, cardiovascular risk factors, and uncertainties with their clinician rather than change treatment based on this conference report alone.
