[Role of androgen in the elderly. Gender sensitive medicine and androgen - role of androgen in women - ].

ABSTRACT

From gender sensitive medicine aspect, sex hormones play most important roles in men and women's health. Both estrogen role in women and androgen role in men are well established recently. On the other hand, the effect of androgen on women's health has not been elucidated. Androgen is synthesized in the adrenal gland and the ovary. Androgen receptors (ARs) are found in many tissues. Androgen acts on numerous tissues, including bone (increased mineral density) , muscle (increased muscle mass) , adipose tissue (stimulation lipolysis) , bone marrows (stimulation of enzymatic metabolism) but not so well known. Testosterone provides dual action in breast tissues, stimulation with being converted into estrogen and suppressant effect as testosterone. In addition, women with hyperandrogenism have higher risk for cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Currently the testosterone replacement therapy for the woman is provided mainly on a sexual dysfunction, but the long-term safety with non-physiological concentrations is not confirmed without the standard direction for uses being established. The effects of androgens on well-being, quality of life, positive effects for body composition and cognitive function are currently the subject of increased attention. Much developmental work has to be done about testosterone for women's health.