Androgens in peri- and postmenopausal women

The role of androgen in the peri- and postmenopausal women is significant both in pathophysiological and clinical aspects Postmenopausal ovaries as well as adrenal glands synthesize androgens even after discontinuing of secretion of estradiol This synthesis is dependent on the secretion of lutropine (LH) It is found that androstendione and testosterone levels are lower in women after bilateral ovariectomy than in postmenopausal women The adrenal glands are continuing the secretion of androstendione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) in the postmenopausal period The level of this synthesis is decreased inconsiderably The paper is a review of the present knowledge of the secretion and the role of androgens in peri- and postmenopausal women The postmenopausal changes in the course of hyperandrogenic syndromes and the problems connected with androgens deficiency are also discussed Recent findings concerning indications and methods of androgen treatment in this group of women are presented The knowledge of androgens in postmenopausal women is considered to be a progressive field of science It is believed that exploration of these problems improves the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases connected with the androgen secretion