Androgen Physiology

Sonia Louise Davison; Robin Bell

doi:10.1055/s-2006-939565

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Reprod Med 2006; 24(2): 071-077
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-939565

Androgen Physiology

Sonia Louise Davison¹ ^, ² , Robin Bell¹

¹Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
²Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Androgen receptors are present in numerous tissues throughout the female body, and knowledge of the specific actions of androgens at different sites is increasing, along with the understanding of their contribution to various pathophysiological states. This article reviews the physiology of androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) and immediate androgen precursors (dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS], and androstenedione), with specific reference to the androgen receptor, production and metabolism of C-₁₉ steroids, circulating androgen concentrations, and androgen actions. In addition, the evidence for physiological modulation of androgens including circadian variation, cyclical variation, age, and natural menopause is reviewed.

KEYWORDS

Women - androgens - physiology - testosterone

Full Text

References

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Dr. Sonia DavisonM.B.B.S. FRACP

Women's Health Program, Monash Medical School

Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Prahran, Victoria, 3181, Australia

Email: Sonia.Davison@med.monash.edu.au