Study on the correlation between serum androgens and sexual function in post-menopausal women

Abstract

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.