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Related Experiment Videos

Androgens in women.

Sonia L Davison1, Susan R Davis

  • 1The Jean Hailes Foundation, 173 Carinish Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. research@jeanhailes.org.au

The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|August 29, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Androgen treatment in women, including testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), may improve sexual function and well-being. Careful monitoring is essential due to potential adverse effects like virilization.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Women's Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The role of androgens in women's health is debated, with potential links to symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and sexual dysfunction.
  • Female Androgen Insufficiency Syndrome is a proposed condition characterized by non-specific symptoms, affecting a significant portion of women.
  • The widespread availability of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements necessitates controlled studies on safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of androgen treatment in women.
  • To define the role of androgens in female health and the potential benefits and risks of treatment.
  • To highlight the need for further research into androgen insufficiency and its management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on androgen treatment in women, including testosterone and DHEA.
  • Discussion of diagnostic challenges, such as defining normal androgen ranges and appropriate measurement methods (e.g., free vs. total testosterone).
  • Examination of various administration routes and reported outcomes from clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Androgen therapy has shown improvements in libido, sexual function, mood, and well-being in some women.
  • Potential benefits include bone mass preservation, possible breast cancer protection, and cognitive enhancement.
  • Adverse effects, such as virilization, are dose-dependent and uncommon with appropriate monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • Androgen treatment, particularly testosterone, shows documented benefits in post-menopausal women with low androgen levels.
  • Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for pre-menopausal women with relevant symptoms and low testosterone.
  • Close clinical and biochemical monitoring is crucial to manage potential adverse effects and ensure safe and effective androgen therapy in women.

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