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Androgen replacement therapy in women
Deborah R Cameron1, Glenn D Braunstein
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
Fertility and Sterility
|August 11, 2004
Summary
Androgen replacement therapy can improve women's sexual function, mood, and well-being. Evidence suggests testosterone (T) or DHEA administration alleviates symptoms of androgen insufficiency, with a good safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Androgens play a crucial role in female well-being, affecting sexual function, mood, energy, and body composition.
- Androgen insufficiency is observed in conditions like hypopituitarism, after adrenalectomy or oophorectomy, and with oral estrogen therapy.
- Symptoms include diminished well-being, low mood, fatigue, and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on androgen replacement therapy (ART) in women.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of androgens for treating symptoms of androgen insufficiency.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of the MEDLINE database.
- Inclusion of references from relevant published articles.
Main Results:
- Clinical trials demonstrate a correlation between low endogenous androgen levels and associated symptoms.
- Testosterone (T) or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration shows efficacy in alleviating many symptoms of androgen insufficiency.
- The safety profile for androgen use in HSDD treatment is excellent, with mild side effects in a minority of patients.
Conclusions:
- Androgen replacement therapy is supported by evidence for improving sexual function, bone health, muscle mass, mood, and overall well-being in women.
- While no FDA-approved androgen preparations exist for women, T and DHEA show promise.
- The safety profile of androgens for treating HSDD is favorable, with minimal adverse effects reported.