The Use of Androgens in Women

Carter, Anne C.; Cohen, Eugene J.; Shorr, Ephraim

doi:10.1016/s0083-6729(08)60814-6

Cited by 33 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 204 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Shortly thereafter, Loeser reported that all women treated with testosterone experienced increased sexual drive, suggesting that androgens play a physiological role in enhancing libido and arousal in women [8]. These observations were further confirmed by several subsequent studies [6,9,10,11,12]. Based on these early observations, the effects of androgens on increasing libido in women were considered universal as early as 1948.…”

Section: A Historical Perspective On Androgen Therapy In Womenmentioning

confidence: 84%

Are the Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guidelines on Androgen Therapy in Women Misguided? A Commentary

Traish

Guay

Spark

et al. 2007

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines on Androgen Therapy in Women (henceforth referred to as the Guidelines) do not necessarily represent the opinion held by the many health-care professionals and clinicians who are specialized in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of women's health in androgen insufficiency states. The recommendations provided in the published Guidelines are neither accurate nor complete. We disagree with the therapeutic nihilism promoted by these Guidelines. The members of the Guidelines Panel (henceforth referred to as the Panel), in their own disclaimer, stated that the Guidelines do not establish a standard of care. Based on data available in the contemporary literature, on the role of androgens in women's health, we provide in this commentary a point-by-point discussion of the arguments made by the Panel in arriving at their recommendations. It is our view that the Guidelines are not based on the preponderance of scientific evidence. Health-care professionals, physicians, and scientists often disagree when determining how best to address and manage new and emerging clinical issues. This is where we stand now as we endeavor to understand the role of androgens in a woman's health and welfare. Indeed, some basic facts are not in contention. All agree that dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) production from the adrenal gland begins during the preteen years, peaks in the mid 20s, then declines progressively over time. In contrast, ovarian androgen (i.e., testosterone) secretion commences at puberty, is sustained during a woman's peak reproductive years and declines as a woman ages, with a more rapid and steep decrease after surgical menopause. However, there are ample data to suggest that adrenal androgens play a role in the development of axillary and pubic hair, and that testosterone is critical for women's libido and sexual function. We take this opportunity to invite members of the Panel on Androgen Therapy in Women to discuss, clarify, comment, or rebut any of the points made in this Commentary. It is our goal to elevate this debate in order to provide women who are afflicted with androgen insufficiency and sexual disorders with the highest quality health care and to relieve their distress and suffering, as well as to improve their quality of life.

show abstract

Section: A Historical Perspective On Androgen Therapy In Womenmentioning

confidence: 84%

Are the Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guidelines on Androgen Therapy in Women Misguided? A Commentary

Traish

Guay

Spark

et al. 2007

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Salmon and Geist (86) postulated that androgens manifest their action by heightening the response to psychosexual stimulation, causing the external genitalia to become more sensitive, and increasing the intensity of sexual gratification (86). Carter et al (87) proposed that androgens increase sexual desire through several physiological and psychosocial mechanisms and the greater sense of well-being in response to androgen treatment contributes to the noted sexual satisfaction. Table 1 describes several studies which demonstrated that T treatment in women improved sexual function and psychological well-being (95-100, 102, 103, 106-115).…”

Section: Androgens Modulate Sexual Function In Womenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of androgens in modulating male and female sexual function

Traish¹

2010

Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Advancement in basic and clinical research has provided considerable evidence suggesting a key role of androgens in the physiology and pathophysiology of sexual function. Evidence from clinical studies in men and women with androgen deficiency support a role of androgens in maintaining sexual function in men and women and are integral in maintaining sexual health. Preclinical studies utilizing male animal models demonstrated a role of androgens in maintenance of: (i) penile tissue structural integrity, (ii) penile trabecular smooth muscle growth and function, (iii) integrity of penile nerve fiber network, (iv) signaling pathways in the corpora cavernosa, (v) myogenic and adipogenic differentiation in the corpora cavernosa, (vi) physiological penile response to stimuli, and (vii) facilitating corporeal hemodynamics. These findings strongly suggest a role for androgen in the physiology of penile erection. In addition, clinical studies in hypogonadal men with erectile dysfunction treated with testosterone provided invaluable information on restoring erectile function and improving ejaculatory function. Similarly, clinical studies in surgically or naturally postmenopausal women with androgen deficiency suggested that androgens are important for maintaining sexual desire and testosterone treatment was shown to improve sexual desire, arousal and orgasm. Furthermore, studies in female animal models demonstrated that androgens maintain the integrity of vaginal nerve fiber network, muscularis volume, and enhance genital blood flow and mucification. Based on the biochemical, physiological and clinical findings from human and animal studies, we suggest that androgens are integral for maintaining sexual function and play a critical role in maintaining sexual health in men and women.

show abstract

“…The estrogenic influence of the biochemical make-up of bones is further evidenced by the very propounced sclerosis seen in castrated and/or estrogen-treated men with skeletal metastases from prostatic carcinoma. I n women with postmenopausal osteoporosis the administration of estrogens did induce a storage in calcium and phosphorus (9). I n patients suffering from Cushing's syndrome large doses of testosterone did induce some calcium storage but no obvious increase in bone calcification (ALBRIGHT, PARSONS & BLOOMBERG (6), ALBRIGHT (5)).…”

Section: Attempts Aiming At An Objective Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Primary tumours, regional lymph gland and visceral metastases are not significantly influenced even by massive doses of androgens although transient retrogression of such lesions has been noted in occasional cases. Reviews covering this subject have recently appeared by the Subcommittee on Steroids and Cancer (42), by ADAIR ( 2 , 3 ) and CARTER, COHEN & SHORR (9). The metabolic action of testosterone esters which results in a positive nitrogen balance has been well established (cfr.…”

Section: B E N G T S Y L V T N and O L L E F L A L L B C R Gmentioning

confidence: 99%