In premenopausal women, the serum concentration of androgen is often measured to determine sexual dysfunction. However, if androgens are the accurate determinants of sexual function of women in reproductive age is not clear. This study aims at investigating the associations between androgens and sexual function in healthy women.
This is a cross-sectional study conducted on women of 18-39 years of age in Australia. The study included a total of 6,986 women who were not pregnant, breastfeeding, or using systemic steroids. The serum androgens in the women were measured and associated with sexual function by Profile of Female Sexual Function (PFSF) assessment.
Out of 6,986 participants, 3,698 were eligible, and 761 participated in the trial. Out of the 761 women who provided blood samples, 588 had regular menstrual cycles. It was found that androstenedione and testosterone were associated with orgasm. No significant associations were found between 11-oxygenated steroids and any PFSF domain, or between responsiveness or arousal and any hormone.
The research concluded that the associations between androgens and sexual function in premenopausal women are minor and could not be used for the determination of sexual functionality. However, androgens like testosterone and androstenedione were significantly associated with responsiveness, arousal, and orgasm in women.
Ref: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(20)30239-4/fulltext
