ANDROGENS AND SEXUAL FUNCTION DURING MENOPAUSE

During menopause, various physical, psychological, social, economic, and cultural factors can affect the sexual function of post-menopausal women. Among the most important of these factors are hormonal conditions. The present study is a review article conducted to examine the effect of androgens on sexual function in post-menopausal women. In this study, the articles indexed in Pubmed, Science Direct, Iranmedex, EMBASE, Scopus and SID databases were reviewed. A collection of 44 articles related to androgens and sexual function, which were published from 2003 to 2014, were studied. During the stage of menopoause, estrogen withdrawal could lead to variations in female reproductive system that could affect sexual desire and function. The lack of androgens in this period, also, affects sexual desire and function. Androgens affect brain centers and have a significant relationship with the secretion of gonadotropins, desire, and sexual response. Some studies demonstrate a correlation between androgens, including testosterone, and sexual satisfaction and function, but some other studies do not report any correlation. One of the treatments that have been recently attended to in improving women’s sexual function, is the use of androgens. What needs attention, however, is the side effects and dangers of the long-term use of androgens as well as determining the people who would benefit most from this treatment.