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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Testosterone | Protocol

Effects of testosterone therapy for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Authors: Rakibul M. Islam, Robin J. Bell, Sally Green, Susan R. Davis

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Testosterone therapy for women is in widespread use, primarily in the form of compounded preparations and off-label use of formulations for men. The benefits and risks of such therapy remain uncertain. This review will identify and evaluate studies that have examined the effects of testosterone therapy for women on a range of outcomes including sexual function, cardiovascular events, metabolic parameters, musculoskeletal health, wellbeing, cancer events, androgenic effects and withdrawal rates.

Methods

Studies meeting our pre-determined inclusion criteria will be identified through searches in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science. Assessing a range of outcomes, we will assess the risk-of-bias of relevant studies and draw conclusions about the strength of evidence for benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for each outcome.

Discussion

This comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis will provide the foundation for the development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that will address benefits and risks of testosterone therapy, when treatment might be appropriate or inappropriate, areas of clinical uncertainty and the basis for assessment and monitoring of patients.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018104073
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Effects of testosterone therapy for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors
Rakibul M. Islam
Robin J. Bell
Sally Green
Susan R. Davis
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Testosterone
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-0941-8

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