Role of testosterone in feminine sexuality.
Gonadal steroids play a crucial role in maintaining the anatomical and functional integrity of all the structures involved in feminine sexual response. While the role of estrogens on the activity of neuroendocrine circuitries and on the trophism of genital organs has been well established, the contribution of androgens to female physical and mental well-being is still a matter of debate. Recent studies reconsidered the sources, production rates, circulating concentrations and regulatory mechanism of the major androgen precursors and androgens in women throughout the reproductive life span, as well as the wide variety of actions at the target tissues. Collectively, these reports support the therapeutic use of androgens in women, mainly to cure sexual dysfunctions, one of the consequences of menopause.
Nappi
R E
RE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. renappi@tin.it
Detaddei
S
S
Ferdeghini
F
F
Brundu
B
B
Sommacal
A
A
Polatti
F
F
D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000502:physiology*
D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone