Testosterone replacement therapy is common among HIV-positive men, but now researchers write in the May 15 issue of the journal AIDS that it might be beneficial for women as well. Both men and women naturally carry opposite-sex hormones in their bodies, the researchers say, and they've found that many HIV-positive women have lower than normal levels of male hormones.
But a study of women who used testosterone patches concludes their hormonal levels showed improvements in bone mineral density, increased lean body mass, lower rates of depression, and a reduction in sexual dysfunction. Still, the researchers say, "further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of testosterone use among HIV-infected women is warranted."
