Androgens and Ovarian Function: Translation from Basic Discovery Research to Clinical Impact

The 2019 document discussed the role of androgens in female fertility, follicle health, and development. It found that androgens, mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), were crucial in these processes. This led to the use of androgens or androgen-modulating agents in in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women termed poor responders. However, excess androgens were key in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The document also discussed the use of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone as pre-treatments to enhance follicular response to IVF hyperstimulation, with mixed results. The use of Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, recombinant luteinizing hormone (rLH), and recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (rhCG) also showed mixed results. The document concluded that further studies were needed to confirm the efficacy of these treatments. The document also provided evidence supporting the role of androgens in the development and progression of PCOS. The research indicated that PCOS could not be induced in Androgen Receptor Knockout (ARKO) mice, suggesting a functional AR is necessary for the development of PCOS. The document concluded that understanding these mechanisms could lead to the development of new targeted, evidence-based interventions for PCOS.