Question 1

What is the Meaning of Intrinsa?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsa was a transdermal testosterone patch developed for hormone replacement therapy in women. This pharmaceutical aimed to deliver a controlled dose of testosterone through the skin, addressing specific hormonal imbalances impacting female well-being.

Question 2

What is the Context of Intrinsa?

Accepted Answer

Within the endocrine system, Intrinsa supplemented endogenous testosterone levels in women. Testosterone, while primarily associated with male physiology, significantly influences female libido, bone density, and energy. This therapy specifically targeted postmenopausal women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, a condition marked by persistent desire deficiency causing distress.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Intrinsa?

Accepted Answer

The clinical significance of Intrinsa resided in its potential to alleviate symptoms of low sexual desire in affected women, thereby improving their quality of life. For individuals experiencing distress from diminished libido, restoring physiological testosterone levels could contribute to enhanced sexual function and overall psychological well-being. It aimed to address a specific aspect of female hormonal health.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Intrinsa?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsa delivered testosterone directly through the skin, bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism, which can alter hormone bioavailability. Once absorbed, testosterone circulated, binding to androgen receptors in various tissues, including the brain, muscles, and reproductive organs. This systemic delivery facilitated the restoration of testosterone concentrations to a more physiological range, supporting its diverse functions.

Question 5

What is the Application of Intrinsa?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, Intrinsa was applied as a small, adhesive patch, typically on the abdomen or buttocks, and replaced every few days. Its primary application was for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women, particularly those who had undergone an oophorectomy. Prescribing this therapy involved careful assessment of patient symptoms and medical history.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Intrinsa?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring Intrinsa therapy involved assessing serum testosterone levels, specifically total and free testosterone, to ensure appropriate physiological ranges for women. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were also evaluated, as SHBG influences testosterone bioavailability. Clinical response was additionally gauged through patient-reported outcomes regarding sexual desire and symptom improvement.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Intrinsa?

Accepted Answer

Potential risks associated with Intrinsa included dose-dependent androgenic side effects such as hirsutism, acne, and voice changes, reflecting supraphysiological testosterone exposure. Concerns also involved potential cardiovascular effects or increased breast cancer risk, warranting further investigation. It was contraindicated in women with breast cancer, prostate cancer, or unexplained vaginal bleeding, requiring thorough patient screening.

Intrinsa

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

What Are the Regulatory Hurdles for Female Testosterone Therapy Approval?