Revisiting the physiological role of androgens in women.
Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab
; 17(6): 547-561, 2022 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36352537
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Extensive research underlines the critical functions of androgens in females. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of their action are poorly understood. Here, we review the existing literature regarding the physiological role of androgens in women throughout life. AREAS COVERED Several studies show that androgen receptors (ARs) are broadly expressed in numerous female tissues. They are essential for many physiological processes, including reproductive, sexual, cardiovascular, bone, muscle, and brain health. They are also involved in adipose tissue and liver function. Androgen levels change with the menstrual cycle and decrease in the first decades of life, independently of menopause. EXPERT OPINION To date, studies are limited by including small numbers of women, the difficulty of dosing androgens, and their cyclical variations. In particular, whether androgens play any significant role in regulating the establishment of pregnancy is poorly understood. The neural functions of ARs have also been investigated less thoroughly, although it is expressed at high levels in brain structures. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the decline of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with age is unclear. Other factors, including estrogen's effect on adrenal androgen production, reciprocal regulation of ARs, and non-classical effects of androgens, remain to be determined.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Desidroepiandrosterona
/
Androgênios
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article