Androgen Therapy in Women: A Reappraisal: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

The document from 2014 provides updated clinical practice guidelines for the use of androgens in women, specifically testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It recommends against diagnosing androgen deficiency syndrome due to the lack of a well-defined syndrome and correlating data, and advises against the general use of T and DHEA for various conditions such as infertility, sexual dysfunction (except hypoactive sexual desire disorder), cognitive, cardiovascular, metabolic, or bone health, or general well-being, due to insufficient evidence of safety and efficacy. The guidelines suggest a trial of T therapy for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, with monitoring for signs of androgen excess. The document also discusses the need for future research to improve androgen assays, define normal ranges, and clarify the role of androgens in women's health.