Androgens and female sexuality.
An accumulating body of data indicates that many women experience a cluster of symptoms that are responsive to testosterone treatment and may be due to androgen deficiency. Characteristically, affected women complain of low libido, persistent fatigue, and diminished well-being and are found to have low circulating bioavailable testosterone. Whether the apparent therapeutic effects of testosterone are mediated via the androgen receptor or as a consequence of metabolism to estrogen is not known. Despite the lack of understanding of the mechanism(s) by which testosterone may enhance libido, the prescription of testosterone to women in a variety of formulations is becoming increasingly popular. This article provides an overview of the rationale for testosterone therapy in women, offers a broad definition of androgen deficiency in women based on the clinical experience of the author, and outlines the currently available options and potential risks of testosterone replacement in women.
Jean Hailes Foundation, 173 Carinish Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia. suedavis@netlink.com.au
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Davis
D000728:Androgens / Q000172:deficiency*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019529:Sexuality / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone