TLDR Testosterone significantly affects sexual desire in both men and women, but its impact on women is more complex and influenced by psychological factors.
The document from May 1, 2018, reviews the molecular mechanisms by which androgens, particularly testosterone, influence human sexual desire. It explains that testosterone is crucial for regulating sexual desire in both sexes, with its effects mediated through cognitive and peripheral physiological mechanisms. The review also discusses the roles of other hormones and neurosteroids in sexual function, the impact of genetic variations on reproductive behaviors, and the influence of environmental factors on the pituitary-gonadal axis. It notes that while testosterone is vital for male sexuality and can restore sexual interest in hypogonadal men, its relationship with female sexual arousal is complex and influenced by psychological factors. The document concludes that testosterone plays a significant role in some aspects of female sexuality, but this relationship is modulated by affective and psychological mechanisms. Additionally, genetic polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene can affect reproductive traits and behaviors. The document suggests that evaluating testosterone levels is strongly recommended in men with decreased sexual desire and also recommended for both men and women when assessing prolactin levels, while the evaluation of other hormones is generally not recommended.
58 citations,
April 2017 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Post-finasteride patients show changed neuroactive steroid levels, possibly causing erectile dysfunction and depression.
50 citations,
September 2016 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride for hair loss may cause persistent sexual symptoms, depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.
883 citations,
August 2016 in “Nature Reviews Disease Primers” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women that can cause metabolic, reproductive, and psychological issues, and requires lifestyle changes and medication for management.
24 citations,
December 2013 in “Sexual medicine reviews” Finasteride can cause sexual problems and depression in young men.
29 citations,
July 2013 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Testing for CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene is not currently recommended for managing hypogonadism.
65 citations,
January 2011 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Neurosteroids show promise for treating epilepsy and more research is needed.
40 citations,
April 2018 in “Endocrine” PFS and PSSD are similar conditions with persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping medication.
658 citations,
June 2003 in “Endocrine reviews” Male hormones may play a role in the development of heart disease, and more research is needed to understand their effects.
1 citations,
August 2015 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” 5α-reductase inhibitors can cause serious and possibly lasting sexual and psychological side effects.
46 citations,
September 2011 in “Journal of Endocrinology” Natural 5α-reduced glucocorticoids might be anti-inflammatory with fewer side effects than current options.
