Steroid regulation of sexual behavior
Beyer, C.; Morali, G.; Larsson, K.; Söderstein, P.
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry 7(11-12): 1171-1176
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4731 PMID: 1035965 DOI: 10.1016/0022-4731(76)90051-0Document Number: 431464
A review of experimental data on the steroid regulation of sexual behavior in the rat suggests that estrogen is involved in the control of both male and female sexual behavior. Female sexual behavior is stimulated by estrogen alone or in combination with progesterone and by aromatizable androgens. In the male, testosterone, androstenediol, and androstenedione were effective in the control of male sexual behavior. Estrogen alone may initiate and restore full masculine copulatory behavior in sexually castrated males. Estrogen may also synergize with nonaromatizable androgens and control behavior. While antiestrogens are ineffective in inhibiting sexual behavior, aromatization blockers (primarily aminoglutethimide) can block sexual response in the presence of aromatizable androgens.