Prescribing Testosterone And DHEA: The Role Of Androgens In Women

December 2020 in “ Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine ”

Taryn Smith, Pelin Batur

testosterone dehydroepiandrosterone androgens hormone therapy DHEA

Studysummary This review examines the roles of androgens in women's health and provides recommendations for androgen therapy but reports no new results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The article reviewed the physiological roles of androgens, specifically testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in women, highlighting their impact on reproductive tissues, mood, cognition, breast health, bone density, muscle mass, and vascular function. It discussed the effects of these hormones and provided guidelines for androgen therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding their benefits and potential risks. The review aimed to inform best-practice recommendations for prescribing these hormones to women, considering their significant influence on various bodily systems.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Androgens and Androgen Receptor Action in Skin and Hair Follicles

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This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of androgens and androgen receptors in skin disorders, particularly androgenetic alopecia, and reports no new clinical results; it highlights potential areas for future treatment development.

research Endocrine Evaluation of Hirsutism

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research Androgen Therapy in Women: A Reappraisal: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

251 citations , October 2014 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

The guidelines advise against using testosterone and DHEA in women for most conditions due to safety and effectiveness concerns, but suggest considering testosterone for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire.