ANDROGEN DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN

ANDROGEN DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN The evidences suggest that androgen deficiency in women induces sexual dysfunction as the main clinical manifestation, especially reduction of libido. However, other factors may be involved in the disease genesis, such as interpersonal relationships, social stressors, sedentarism and the partner. Prevalence of sexual problems among women ranges from nine to 43% and, recently, many studies have reported that androgens are beneficial not only for the sexual function of women, but for mood disorders and vasomotor symptoms. That is why the physician should include androgen deficiency syndrome as differential diagnosis, even in women with adequate levels of estrogen. Our goal was to present practical aspects of this disease, emphasizing diagnosis and focusing on treatment. This survey covered all the publications indexed in PUBMED in the last 51 years ending May 2010, including consensus and expert opinions; 105 articles were identified. We conclude that the syndrome of androgen deficiency in women is overlooked in clinical practice. There is controversy in literature regarding diagnosis and treatment including choice of drug, route of administration and time of application. [Rev Assoc Med Bras 2010; 56(5): 579-82]