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

June 2020 in “ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ”

Anna Kępczyńska-Nyk, Alina Kurylowicz, A Nowak, Tomasz Bednarczuk, Urszula Ambroziak

congenital adrenal hyperplasia CAH polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS androgen excess Female Sexual Function Index FSFI dyspareunia sexual dysfunction hormones adrenal hyperplasia ovary syndrome sexual function index painful intercourse

TLDR Women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have more sexual function issues than those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but physical activity can improve sexual functioning in all women.

The 2020 study by Kępczyńska-Nyk et al. involved 104 women, 21 with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), 63 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and 20 healthy controls. The study found that women with CAH had impaired sexual functions compared to those with PCOS, with lower scores in lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and dyspareunia. Sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 80.95% of women with CAH and 33.33% of women with PCOS. Physical activity was associated with better sexual functioning in all women. In the CAH group, a higher prevalence of homosexuality was found. However, the study had limitations, including the lack of validation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in bi- and homosexual women, and the limited number of participants.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women With Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

11 citations, January 2016 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Young women with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia may experience worse sexual function and mild depression compared to healthy women.

research Psychological Aspects of Hyperandrogenic States in Late Adolescent and Young Women

30 citations, March 2015 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Young women with high male hormone levels or PCOS often feel more psychological distress and have a lower quality of life.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations, February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Unselected Caucasian Women from Spain

491 citations, July 2000 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic ovary syndrome is found in 6.5% of unselected Caucasian women in Spain.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 12 results

community DHT and 5AR respect post, it's importance within the brain

in Research/Science 111 upvotes 9 months ago

The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.

community Transient and Permanent Effects of Finasteride Use

in Research/Science 154 upvotes 3 years ago

Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.

community Boys,Thank you all. almost 90days into treatment. dut/minox/ketoconazole shampoo

in Progress Pictures 78 upvotes 1 month ago

The user is using oral dutasteride, topical minoxidil (Regaine foam 5%), and ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss, reporting good results with no significant side effects. The user is 26 years old and applies minoxidil once or twice daily.

community Finasteride and Dutasteride results compilation thread

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 80 upvotes 1 month ago

Combining finasteride and dutasteride may enhance hair regrowth by targeting different enzymes, with positive results reported. Minoxidil, both oral and topical, is also used to improve effectiveness.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Stopping Dutasteride to have a baby

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 70 upvotes 1 month ago

A user plans to stop Dutasteride to conceive a child, seeking advice on hair maintenance. Suggestions include switching to Finasteride, but many emphasize prioritizing child safety.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

Comparison of Clinical and Biochemical Markers of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Study from a Teaching Hospital in Sri Ramachandra Institute, Chennai, India

research Comparison of Clinical and Biochemical Markers of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Study from a Teaching Hospital in Sri Ramachandra Institute, Chennai, India

April 2021 in “Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences”

Women with PCOS have higher levels of certain androgens, which are good at predicting excess hair growth.

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”

Women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have more sexual function issues than those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but physical activity can improve sexual functioning in all women.