The Role of Androgens in Health and Disease in Females: A Narrative Review

    May 2025 in “ Anatolian journal of obstetrics and gynecology research. ”
    Beyza Ustun
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    TLDR Androgens affect many aspects of female health, and more research is needed to understand their roles and treatment potential.
    This narrative review examines the complex role of androgens in female health, emphasizing their influence on reproductive and non-reproductive systems, including ovarian function, metabolic processes, and cardiovascular health. Androgens are linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting 20% of young women, and are involved in metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. The review highlights the need for further research on androgen therapies, particularly regarding side effects and patient selection, and discusses the role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) as a metabolic marker. Androgens also impact cognitive functions, bone health, skin, hair, and muscle mass, with therapeutic uses in genitourinary syndrome of menopause and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The review underscores the importance of maintaining physiological androgen levels and calls for more research to understand their roles and therapeutic potential fully.
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