Differential symptom response to parenteral estrogen and/or androgen administration in the surgical menopause

Abstract

The investigation of estrogen and/or androgen administration on physical and psychological symptoms in the surgical menopause was carried out in a prospective, double-blind, crossover design. When patients who received either a combined estrogen-androgen drug or androgen alone were compared with those who received estrogen alone or placebo, energy level, well-being, and appetite were increased (p < 0.01). The androgen-containing preparations also induced lower somatic, psychological, and total scores on the menopausal index. Superior functioning in the androgen-treated groups occurred in association with higher plasma testosterone levels during the treatment phases (p < 0.01). These data suggest that reduced levels of circulating testosterone subsequent to bilateral oophorectomy may play an important role in the development of physical and psychological symptoms that are frequent sequelae of this surgical procedure.