Testosterone Vaginal Cream

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A topical cream containing a synthetic form of the endogenous androgenic steroid testosterone. Upon vaginal application, testosterone is irreversibly converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in target tissues by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Testosterone or DHT ligand-androgen receptor complexes act as transcription factor complexes, stimulating the expression of various responsive genes. DHT binds with higher affinity to androgen receptors than testosterone, activating gene expression more efficiently. In addition, testosterone is irreversibly converted to estradiol by the enzyme complex aromatase, particularly in the liver and adipose tissue. Topical application of testosterone may improve symptoms of vaginal dryness.