Maternal Androgen Excess Significantly Impairs Sexual Behavior in Male and Female Mouse Offspring: Perspective for a Biological Origin of Sexual Dysfunction in PCOS

February 2023 in “ Frontiers in Endocrinology ”

Nina Donaldson, Melanie Prescott, Amy Ruddenklau, Rebecca E. Campbell, Elodie Desroziers

androgen excess Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS prenatally androgenized PNA sexual behavior lordosis behavior sexual dysfunction

Studysummary In this study, prenatal androgen exposure was linked to altered sexual behaviors in both male and female mice, with specific effects on mounting and lordosis behaviors. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study examined the effects of maternal androgen excess, a condition linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), on the sexual behavior of male and female mouse offspring. Using a prenatally androgenized (PNA) mouse model, the study found that both male and female offspring showed significant impairment in their sexual behaviors. Male mice exhibited altered sexual behaviors, such as increased time to mount and intromit a female, and decreased number of mounts and thrusts, but their ability to fertilize a female was unaffected. Female mice showed a sustained impairment in lordosis behavior, a key aspect of female sexual receptivity. The study involved male (n=9-12/group) and female (n=6-11/group) mice. These findings suggest that prenatal androgen exposure could impact the development of sexual behaviors, potentially providing a biological origin for sexual dysfunction in PCOS.

View this study on frontiersin.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Male Equivalent Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Hormonal, Metabolic, and Clinical Aspects

12 citations , July 2020 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)”

This review evaluates the hormonal, metabolic, and clinical aspects of a male equivalent PCOS syndrome in men and highlights areas where further research is needed, reporting no new empirical findings.

Sexual Function in Women with Androgen Excess Disorders: Classic Forms of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Sexual Function in Women with Androgen Excess Disorders: Classic Forms of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

5 citations , June 2020 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation”

The study observed that women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia experience more impaired sexual functions and are more often homosexually or bisexually oriented than those with polycystic ovary syndrome.

research Influence of Genotype and Hyperandrogenism on Sexual Function in Women With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

11 citations , August 2019 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This study found that women with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) reported lower sexual function and higher sexual distress compared to those with classic CAH (C-CAH), particularly among those showing signs of androgen excess.

research Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia Is Not Associated with Sexual Dysfunction: A Survey-Based, Single-Centre, Controlled Study

18 citations , March 2019 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that finasteride use was not associated with sexual dysfunction in men with androgenetic alopecia, consistent with other large survey-based controlled studies.

research Depression, Anxiety, and Perceived Stress in Women With and Without PCOS: A Community-Based Study

85 citations , August 2018 in “Psychological Medicine”

This study reported that women with PCOS had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress compared to those without PCOS, with stress potentially mediating these associations.

research Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

60 citations , May 2018 in “Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine”

This article highlights the lack of attention to the impact of polycystic ovarian syndrome on women's identity, mental health, and quality of life in India without offering new findings.

research Does a Male Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Equivalent Exist?

28 citations , July 2017 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation”

This study suggests that early onset androgenetic alopecia in men may indicate a male PCOS equivalent, possibly leading to higher risks of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders later in life.

research A Comparison of the Hormonal Profile of Early Androgenetic Alopecia in Men With the Phenotypic Equivalent of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women

47 citations , June 2016 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This study suggests men with early androgenetic alopecia might have hormonal profiles similar to women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, potentially indicating risk for related health complications.

research Androgen Excess: Investigations and Management

82 citations , May 2016 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

This article outlines the clinical features, evaluation, and treatment strategies for androgen excess in polycystic ovary syndrome, highlighting important diagnostic and management approaches but reporting no new research results.

Psychosocial Impairment as a Possible Cause of Sexual Dysfunction Among Young Men With Mild Androgenetic Alopecia: A Cross-Sectional Crowdsourcing Web-Based Study

research Psychosocial Impairment as a Possible Cause of Sexual Dysfunction Among Young Men With Mild Androgenetic Alopecia: A Cross-Sectional Crowdsourcing Web-Based Study

5 citations , April 2016 in “PubMed”

This study found that men aged 18-40 with moderate to severe psychosocial impairment from male androgenetic alopecia had a higher risk of sexual dysfunction.

research Androgens and Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction—Findings From the Fourth International Consultation of Sexual Medicine

75 citations , February 2016 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This review highlights the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy in improving sexual function in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, though approved formulations and long-term safety data are limited.