The Role of Androgen Therapy

The 2002 document highlights the importance of androgens, particularly testosterone, in women's health, addressing androgen deficiency and the benefits of androgen therapy. It reports that androgen replacement therapy, especially with testosterone, can alleviate symptoms such as lethargy, tiredness, and loss of sex drive, and improve sexual function and well-being without significant side effects. Studies cited within the document show that androgens can enhance bone health and increase sexual function, with no significant changes in serum lipids observed. The paper emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis of androgen deficiency, which involves low free testosterone levels, and discusses the lack of suitable testosterone preparations for women. It also outlines contraindications to testosterone therapy and calls for further research on female androgen deficiency syndrome, better testosterone measurement methods, and the long-term safety of exogenous testosterone in women.