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The use of androgens for female sexual dysfunction

Nature Clinical Practice Urology volume 3, pages 176–177 (2006)Cite this article

There is overwhelming evidence from animal models, mechanistic studies and randomized, placebo-controlled trials that androgens are important for normal female sexual function. Androgens exert their effects, both centrally and peripherally, via the androgen receptor, and also as obligatory precursors for the biosynthesis of estrogens by the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme.

The issues that remain controversial are whether the natural decline in androgens that occurs with age1 contributes to female sexual dysfunction, whether androgen therapy restores sexual wellbeing, and, most importantly, whether such therapy is safe.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Women's Health in the Department of Medicine at Monash University, Victoria, Australia

    Susan R Davis

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  1. Susan R Davis
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Correspondence to Susan R Davis.

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Competing interests

The author received unrestricted research grant support from Acrux Pty Ltd and Wyeth. She has acted as a Consultant or Advisory Board Member for Cellergy, AstraZeneca, Vivus, Acrus and Procter & Gamble, and has been an investigator for Procter & Gamble, Acrux and Organon.

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Davis, S. The use of androgens for female sexual dysfunction. Nat Rev Urol 3, 176–177 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpuro0439

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