The hypoandrogenic woman: Pathophysiologic overview

Objective: To review the pathophysiologic changes associated with androgen insufficiency in the female. Design: A review of the English-language literature from l940 to 200l. Conclusion(s): Data suggest that diminished androgen levels, most frequently noted in the surgically menopausal patient, may be associated with a number of symptoms including reduced sexual libido and desire, loss of motivation, flat affect, and reduced energy. Lack of consensus in defining abnormally low values for free and total serum androgen levels have made the definition of hypoandrogenic states difficult.