Androgen deficiency and therapy in women.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will provide a brief overview of androgen physiology, outline the conditions associated with androgen deficiency in women, and provide data on the potential benefits and risks of testosterone therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review summarizes relevant data on treatment and reviews the findings regarding safety of therapy.

SUMMARY

Testosterone is a necessary component of female physiology acting both directly and indirectly through aromatization to estrogens. Reduction in testosterone levels in women can result in deleterious effects emotionally, sexually and/or physically. Testosterone therapy resulting in serum levels in the high-normal range can provide significant improvement in these areas. The use of exogenous androgens in women with symptoms suggestive of androgen deficiency but with low-normal serum levels remains controversial.