The Effect of hyperandrogenism on female sexual function

Abstract

Introduction: The role of androgens in female sexual drive is not clearly understood. The aim: To evaluate the impact of hyperandrogenism on young women's sexual function. The method: This is a cohort study that was conducted during the period from 2012 to 2013 on 196 female students of LUHS. Participants had to fill three questionnaires: The general demographic data questionnaire, The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and WHO- Five Welibeig Index (WHO- 5). The extent of terminal hair growth was determined by the Ferriman-Gallwey (F-G) scoring system. Hirsutism was diagnosed in case of F-G 6>= scores. The participants were divided into two groups based on the F- G scale: hirsute females and non- hirsute females as control group. By random sequence 44 study participants were selected, and the following laboratory data were performed: sex-hormone-binding globulin (SFBG), dehydroeplandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and the free androgen index was calculated (FAI). The results: The mean age of the study participants was 24,51±4.27 years (range 18-40 years). Hirsutism was diagnosed in 34 (17,35 percent) women. Hormon levels in hirsute females (n=6) and control group (n=38) were the following: SHBG 31.57±14,05 vs 40.69±13.87 nmol/l (p=0.1), DHEA-S 9.59±2.77 vs 8.42± 3.28 mmol/l (p=0.4), T 2.67±0.92 vs 2.34± 0.94 nmol/l (p=0.4), FT 3.88±1.24 vs 3.27±1, pmol/l (p=0.3). [...].