Beneficial effects of testosterone therapy in women measured by the validated Menopause Rating Scale (MRS)

Abstract 

Objectives

This study was designed to measure the beneficial effects of continuous testosterone therapy, delivered by subcutaneous implant, in the relief of somatic, psychological and urogenital symptoms in both pre- and post-menopausal patients, utilizing the validated Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).

Study design

300 pre- and post-menopausal women with symptoms of relative androgen deficiency, were asked to self-administer the 11-item MRS, at baseline and 3 months after their first insertion of the subcutaneous testosterone implant. Baseline hormone measurements, menopausal status and BMI, were assessed to determine correlation with symptoms and clinical outcome.

Main outcome measurements

Changes related to therapy were determined. Total MRS scores as well as psychological, somatic and urogenital subscale scores were compared prior to therapy and following testosterone implant therapy.

Results

Pre-menopausal and post-menopausal females reported similar hormone deficiency symptoms. Both groups demonstrated similar improvement in total score, as well as psychological, somatic and urogenital subscale scores with testosterone therapy. Better effect was noted in women with more severe complaints. Higher doses of testosterone correlated with greater improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion

Continuous testosterone alone, delivered by subcutaneous implant, was effective for the relief of hormone deficiency symptoms in both pre- and post-menopausal patients. The validated, HRQOL questionnaire, Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), proved a valuable tool in the measurement of the beneficial effects of testosterone therapy in both cohorts.

Abbreviations: HRQOL, Health Related Quality of Life, MRS, Menopause Rating Scale, IRB, Institutional Review Board, BMI, body mass index

Keywords: Testosterone, Implant, Health-related quality of life, Menopause, Pre-menopause