Study on the Correlation between Serum Androgens and Sexual Function in Post-menopausal Women
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Soheila Nazarpour , Masome Simbar , Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani , Maryam Tohidi , Hamid Alavi majd  |
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services , msimbar@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (9197 Views) |
Introduction: Sexual dysfunction could
be influenced by menopause and related hormonal changes. The purpose of this
study is to examine the correlation between serum levels of androgens and
sexual function in post-menopausal women. Material and Methods: This is a community-based,
descriptive-analytical study involving 405 post-menopausal women, aged 40 to 65
years, who had reached menopause during the three years prior to the study. A
multi-stage, randomized sampling was conducted. Data was collected using the
Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, a researcher-made
questionnaire, and blood samples were obtained to assess serum levels of
androgens (testosterone, DHEAS), SHBG and estradiol. Results: Among subjects, 61%
had female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Total testosterone levels had a negative
correlation with scores in the domain of desire (r=-0.108, P=0.029), DHEAS
levels were positively correlated with scores in the domain of pain (r=0.113,
P=0.022), and the free estradiol index (FEI) was also positively correlated
with scores in the domain of pain (r=0.115, P=0.020). Satisfaction with marital
relationship had a significant positive correlation with total testosterone
levels (r=0.131, P=0.008) and the free androgen index (FAI) (r=0.100, P=0.044).
Examining the correlation between FSFI scores and hormone levels, multiple
regression analysis showed that serum levels of total testosterone and FAI were
predicting factors, in the domains of lubrication (P=0.042) and satisfaction
(P=0.021) respectively. Conclusions:
Androgenic hormones can affect certain aspects of sexual function in
post-menopausal women, subject, which, however, requires further investigation. |
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Keywords: Sexual Function, Menopause, Androgens |
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Full-Text [PDF 342 kb]
(2330 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Gynecology Received: 2015/01/4 | Accepted: 2015/03/10 | Published: 2015/05/26
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