Testosterone in Women: Measurement and Therapeutic Use.
Androgens, both in excessive and depleted states, have been implicated in female reproductive health disorders. As such, serum testosterone measurements are frequently ordered by physicians in cases of sexual dysfunction and in women presenting with hirsutism. Commercially available androgen assays have significant limitations in the female population. Furthermore, the measurements themselves are not always informative in patient diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis. This article reviews the limitations of serum androgen measurements in women suspected to have elevated or reduced androgen action. Finally, we consider when therapeutic use of androgen replacement may be appropriate for women with sexual interest/arousal disorders.
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON. Electronic address: 12akk1@queensu.ca.
Ann
A
Kathryn Korkidakis
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON.
Robert L
RL
Reid
D000728:Androgens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000097:blood; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013739:Testosterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use
C586666:11-ketodihydrotestosterone; D000728:Androgens; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Hirsutism; androgen assays; libido; polycystic ovary syndrome