Androgens and menopause.
The cessation of ovarian sex steroidigenesis, either as result as surgical extirpation, certain medical therapies or the gradual cessation of ovarian function, leads to menopause with all its associated physiological, physical and lifestyle changes. The changing hormonal milieu of menopause is most commonly associated with declining levels of estrogens. However, ovarian senescence also results in declining levels of androgens. Indeed, it is the loss of physiological levels of estrogens and androgens that result in the varied signs and symptoms of menopause including vasomotor symptoms, bone mineral density loss, reduced interest in sex, alterations in mood and energy and hair loss, among others. This paper will provide a review of the role of androgens in the menopause and assess the potential of androgen therapies in the management of the menopause.
Shulman
L P
LP
Cancer Genetics Program, Division of Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. lps5@cornell.edu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000728:Androgens / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology*; D008594:Menopause, Premature / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D013739:Testosterone