Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Female Androgen Insufficiency Syndrome
Author(s): Tan Robert S
Issue: Jul/Aug 2005 - Human Hormone Replacement Therapy
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Page(s): 259-264
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Abstract: Short-term treatment with androgens in postmenopausal women has been reported to improve libido and mood and reduce hot flashes. The impact of androgens in the long term seems positive as well. Observational studies have correlated testosterone with greater bone mineral density (BMD) in women. There is even a suggestion that dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may influence BMD. The role of androgens in treating female sexual dysfunction is less clear, but it is promising. Female sexual dysfunction should be considered a part of the larger entity of female androgen insufficiency (FAI) syndrome. Testosterone insufficiency in women may be due to natural effects of aging, or to surgery (eg, oophorectomy), chemotherapy, or even antiandrogen therapy. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve the use of androgens for the FAI syndrome, these hormones have great potential for helping our patients. Replacement must be prescribed on a case-by-case basis with informed consent, bearing in mind that no
Related Keywords: Robert S. Tan, MD, MBA, AGSF, sexual dysfunction, female androgen insufficiency syndrome, women's health, hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis, testosterone replacement
Related Categories: HRT, FREE SAMPLES, ENDOCRINOLOGY/HORMONES/ MENOPAUSE/ANDROPAUSE