Androgens and ovarian function: translation from basic discovery research to clinical impact.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Androgens play a direct role in female reproductive function, mediated by the androgen receptor (AR).
• AR-mediated actions are critical for female fertility, including follicle health, development, and ovulation.
• Clinical data suggests androgens benefit in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in poor responders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review scientific discoveries on androgen roles in female reproduction.
• To discuss clinical impacts of these findings, particularly in IVF and PCOS.
• To explore future therapeutic strategies for poor responders and PCOS patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of basic scientific discoveries and clinical data.
• Analysis of global and cell-specific Ar-knockout mouse models.
• Synthesis of evidence from human and animal studies on androgen excess and PCOS.

Main Results:

• AR-mediated androgen actions are confirmed to regulate female fertility and ovulation.
• Excess androgens, via AR, are implicated in the origins of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Androgen therapy shows promise for improving IVF stimulation in poor responders.

Conclusions:

• Androgens significantly influence female reproductive health via the AR.
• Understanding AR's role is key to developing new therapies for PCOS.
• Further insights can improve IVF outcomes for poor responders and manage PCOS symptoms.