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No link found between low androgen levels and low sexual function in women
July 06, 2005No single androgen (sex hormone) level was found to be predictive of low sexual function in women, according to a study in the July 6 issue of JAMA.
Sexual dysfunction, primarily low libido, is common among women, with prevalences of 8 percent to 50 percent, according to background information in the article. Although multiple psychosocial and health factors contribute to low sexual desire and arousal, it has been proposed that androgen levels are significant independent determinants of sexual behavior in women. It is widely believed that a low serum free testosterone level is the diagnostic marker for the cluster of symptoms described as characterizing "female androgen insufficiency" based on therapeutic trials, and expert opinion. However, evidence that a low serum testosterone level distinguishes women with low sexual function from others, is lacking.
Susan R. Davis, M.D., Ph.D., of Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia, and colleagues conducted a study to determine if low self-reported sexual function is associated with low serum androgen levels. The study included 1,423 women aged 18 to 75 years who were randomly recruited from April 2002 to August 2003. Women were excluded from the analysis if they were younger than 45 years and using oral contraception. Women were surveyed with the Profile of Female Sexual Function (PFSF) and serum levels of total and free testosterone, androstenedione (an androgenic steroid), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS, a natural steroid hormone) were measured.
The researchers write: "We found no evidence of associations between low scores for any of the sexual domains evaluated and low serum total and free testosterone levels. In contrast, we observed significant associations between low sexual desire, arousal, and responsiveness in younger women [aged 18 to 44 years] and low responsiveness in older women [aged 45 years or older] and low serum DHEAS level relative to age."
"In addition to demonstrating that the measurement of testosterone is not useful for the diagnosis of the proposed female androgen insufficiency syndrome, our findings also do not support a diagnostically useful role for the measurement of DHEAS. This is because despite the increased likelihood that women with low sexual function have a low DHEAS level, the majority of women with a low DHEAS level did not report low sexual function," the authors write.
"Our results are not in conflict with testosterone being used pharmacologically to treat [abnormally inactive] sexual desire disorder, nor do they provide support for efficacy of DHEA therapy. Rather, our data, taken together with what is already known about the intracrine [a type of hormone function] physiology, suggest that sex steroids influence female sexual function, but that there is no serum androgen level that defines female androgen insufficiency. The measurement of serum testosterone, free testosterone, or DHEAS in individuals presenting with low sexual function is not informative and levels of these hormones should not be used for the purpose of diagnosing androgen insufficiency in women," the researchers conclude.
JAMA and Archives Journals
The researchers write: "We found no evidence of associations between low scores for any of the sexual domains evaluated and low serum total and free testosterone levels. In contrast, we observed significant associations between low sexual desire, arousal, and responsiveness in younger women [aged 18 to 44 years] and low responsiveness in older women [aged 45 years or older] and low serum DHEAS level relative to age."
"In addition to demonstrating that the measurement of testosterone is not useful for the diagnosis of the proposed female androgen insufficiency syndrome, our findings also do not support a diagnostically useful role for the measurement of DHEAS. This is because despite the increased likelihood that women with low sexual function have a low DHEAS level, the majority of women with a low DHEAS level did not report low sexual function," the authors write.
"Our results are not in conflict with testosterone being used pharmacologically to treat [abnormally inactive] sexual desire disorder, nor do they provide support for efficacy of DHEA therapy. Rather, our data, taken together with what is already known about the intracrine [a type of hormone function] physiology, suggest that sex steroids influence female sexual function, but that there is no serum androgen level that defines female androgen insufficiency. The measurement of serum testosterone, free testosterone, or DHEAS in individuals presenting with low sexual function is not informative and levels of these hormones should not be used for the purpose of diagnosing androgen insufficiency in women," the researchers conclude.
JAMA and Archives Journals
Androgen Current Events and Androgen News RSSViagra for women? Drug developed as antidepressant effective in treating low libido
Pooled results from three separate clinical trials of flibanserin, a drug originally created as an antidepressant, show it is effective in treating women with acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder. These trials were the first ever to test a therapy that works at the level of the brain to enhance libido in women reporting low sexual desire.
Hormone that affects finger length key to social behavior
The hormones, called androgens, are important in the development of masculine characteristics such as aggression and strength.
Short-term hormone therapy and intermediate dose radiation increases survivial for early stage prostate cancer
Short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment for men with early stage prostate cancer increases their chance of living longer, compared to those who receive the same radiation alone.
BUSM researchers propose a relationship between androgen deficiency and cardiovascular disease
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) in collaboration with researchers from Lahey Clinic Northshore, Peabody, Mass., believe that androgen deficiency might be the underlying cause for a variety of common clinical conditions, including diabetes, erectile dysfunction, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Prostate cancer patients on hormone therapy at increased risk for various heart diseases
New research has found that hormone therapy used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer is associated with an increased chance of developing various heart problems. Some choices of therapy appear, however, to be less risky than others.
PET/CT scans may help detect recurring prostate cancer earlier
A new study published in the September issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine shows that positron emission tomography (PET)/computer tomography (CT) scans with the imaging agent choline could detect recurring prostate cancer sooner than conventional imaging technologies in some patients who have had their prostates surgically removed.
Turning back the clock: Fasting prolongs reproductive life span
Scientific dogma has long asserted that females are born with their entire lifetime's supply of eggs, and once they're gone, they're gone.
Denosumab increases bone density, cuts fracture risk in prostate cancer survivors
Twice-yearly treatment with denosumab, a new targeted therapy to stop bone loss, increased bone density and prevented spinal fractures in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
Study reveals a reprogrammed role for the androgen receptor
The androgen receptor - a protein ignition switch for prostate cancer cell growth and division - is a master of adaptability.
Newly Discovered Gene Fusion May Lead to Improved Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Researchers from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center have discovered a new gene fusion that is highly expressed in a subset of prostate cancers.
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