Androgens and sexual behaviour in women using oral contraceptives
Bancroft, J.; Davidson, D.W.; Warner, P.; Tyrer, G.
Clinical Endocrinology 12(4): 327-340
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-0664 PMID: 6991164 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1980.tb02718.xDocument Number: 445857
Twenty women using oral contraceptives and complaining of impaired sexual function were compared with 20 women without sexual problems, matched for age and oral contraceptive. While the sexual behavior differed in the 2 groups, the plasma testosterone concentrations were very similar. The total androgen levels were low in both groups. Plasma T and E2 concentrations were correlated with measures of sexual interest in the no-problem group, but not in the problem group. Administration of exogenous DIONE to women in the problem group, using a double blind cross-over comparison with a placebo, failed to improve their sexual function except in 1 case. The majority of women showed a rise in androgen and E2 between day 24 of one pill cycle and day 4 of the next. The possible behavioral indications of this pattern are discussed.