Androgen production in women.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of physiological literature without systematic review methodology
PubMed 12007895 · doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(02)02985-0
What was done
This was a narrative review of published literature examining the sources, production rates, circulating concentrations, and regulatory mechanisms of major androgen precursors and active androgens (DHEAS, DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone) in women across different reproductive stages.
What was found
No numerical concentrations or production rates were reported in the abstract. The review reported that women quantitatively secrete greater total amounts of androgens than estrogens. Circulating steroid concentrations descend in the order of DHEAS, DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone, though only testosterone and dihydrotestosterone bind the androgen receptor. DHEAS originates primarily from the adrenals under ACTH regulation, whereas DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone are derived from both the ovaries and adrenals. The postmenopausal ovary continues to secrete androgens, and circulating testosterone levels are not directly altered by the menopausal transition. Identified causes of female androgen deficiency include hypopituitarism, Addison's disease, corticosteroid therapy, chronic illness, oral estrogen therapy (via increased sex hormone-binding globulin lowering free testosterone), premature ovarian failure, and bilateral oophorectomy.
Why it matters
The paper outlines the physiological basis of female androgen production and highlights clinical conditions, including surgical menopause and estrogen therapy, that can induce androgen deficiency states.
Limits
This is an unsystematic narrative review with no reported literature search methodology, quality assessment of cited studies, or primary human data. The abstract presents qualitative physiological descriptions without reporting exact circulating reference ranges, production rates, or sample sizes.
Cited by
- supports In women, a substantial portion of testosterone is produced by adrenal synthesis and peripheral tissue conversion rather than solely by the ovaries.
- supports In women, a significant portion of circulating testosterone is derived from DHEA conversion.