Sex Hormone Levels not Linked to Libido in Women

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- No sex hormone level was found to be predictive of low sexual function in women, according to a new Australian study.

Background information in the study explains it was proposed that low sexual desire and sexual dysfunction are associated with low blood testosterone levels in women. However, evidence to support this theory is lacking.

Researchers set out to determine if low androgen, or sex hormone, levels distinguish women with low sexual desire and satisfaction from others. The study included 1,423 women between ages 18 and 75. They were surveyed and serum levels of testosterone, androstenedione (an androgenic steroid), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS, a natural steroid hormone) were measured.

Results show no evidence of a link between low scores for sexual function and low serum testosterone levels. They did find an increased likelihood that women with low sexual function have a low DHEAS level, however, the majority of women with a low DHEAS level did not report low sexual function.

Researchers conclude their findings demonstrate testosterone measurements are not useful in the diagnosis of female androgen insufficiency syndrome and there is not a diagnostically useful role for DHEAS measurements.

"The measurement of serum testosterone, free testosterone or DHEAS in individuals presenting with low sexual function is not informative, and levels of these hormones should not be used for the purpose of diagnosing androgen insufficiency in women," the researchers conclude.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2005;294:91-96