Testosterone Therapy May Raise Heart Attack and Stroke Risk in Women
A study found that postmenopausal women on testosterone therapy have a higher risk of heart events compared to those not using the treatment.
NEW DELHI, Nov 2: New research indicates that postmenopausal women receiving testosterone therapy may have a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues. The findings were shared at the annual meeting of The Menopause Society in San Diego.
This observational study examined over 6,000 women aged 45 and older. Among those using testosterone therapy, 3.8% experienced a cardiovascular event, while only 0.5% of women not undergoing the treatment faced similar events. This translates to approximately 38 cardiovascular events per 1,000 women receiving testosterone, compared to five per 1,000 among those who did not.
Anna Cabeca, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause expert, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “The difference between 3.8% and 0.5% is certainly significant enough to warrant attention.” However, she also cautioned that the study does not prove causation, as it was observational in nature. Factors such as age, blood pressure, and diabetes might influence the heart risk among the women studied.
Dr. Cabeca pointed out that while testosterone can enhance sexual health, potential risks need thorough evaluation. She advised that healthcare providers assess each patient’s overall health, including their cardiovascular history and metabolic health, before considering testosterone therapy.
The implications of the research emphasize the need for further investigation into the safety of testosterone use among postmenopausal women.
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