Pulsatile administration of testosterone by the vaginal route using Pentravan®

Testosterone defi ciency occurs during menopause and may be associated with the appearance of a variety of symptoms in addition to its negative effect on sexuality. In the present study, testosterone was administered in the vulval/vaginal region at a dose of 3 mg/ml dissolved in a Pentravan® emulsion (Fagron, the Netherlands) to patients with symptoms of androgen defi ciency and testosterone levels in the lower normal range. Vulval/vaginal application of testosterone in Pentravan® increased blood levels of testosterone in a pulsatile manner from 20 ± 15 ng/dl (mean ± SD) (n=26) to 312 ± 264 ng/dl (n=13) after 3 hours, followed by a rapid fall to 67 ± 40 ng/dl and 26 ± 10 ng/dl 12 and 24 hours, respectively, after application. An improvement in sexuality and the sensation of well being was reported by 88% of the patients, with very few side effects. There was also a positive effect on vaginal atrophy.