Androgens and sexual behaviour in women using oral contraceptives

Twenty women using oral contraceptives and complaining of impaired sexual function were compared with twenty women without sexual problems, matched for age and oral contraceptive. Whilst the sexual behaviour differed in the two groups, the plasma testosterone, androstenedione, oestradiol and SHBG concentrations were very similar. The total androgen levels were low in both groups. Plasma testosterone and oestradiol concentrations were correlated with measures of sexual interest in the no-problem group, but not in the problem group. Administration of exogenous androstenedione to women in the problem group, using a double blind cross-over comparison with a placebo, failed to improve their sexual function except in one case. The majority of women showed a rise in androgen and oestradiol between day 24 of one pill cycle and day 4 of the next. The possible behavioural indications of this pattern are discussed.