Androgen Therapy in Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

• DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-1121
• Publication Date: 2006-10-04T02:25:36Z
• Authors: Margaret E. Wierman; Rosemary Basson; Susan R. Davis; Sundeep Khosla; Karen K. Miller; William Rosner; Nanette Santoro
• Keywords: Guideline; Clinical Practice

Objective: The objective was to provide guidelines for the therapeutic use of androgens in women. Participants: Task Force composed a chair, selected by Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee (CGS) Endocrine Society, six additional experts, methodologist, and medical writer. received no corporate funding or remuneration. Evidence: used systematic reviews available evidence inform its key recommendations. consistent language graphical descriptions both strength recommendation quality evidence, using recommendations Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development, Evaluation (GRADE) group. is indicated number 1 (strong recommendation, associated with phrase "we recommend") 2 (weak suggest"). cross-filled circles, such that ⊕○○○ denotes very-low-quality ⊕⊕○○ low quality, ⊕⊕⊕○ moderate ⊕⊕⊕⊕ high quality. Each followed description evidence. Consensus Process: guided discussions during one group meeting, several conference calls, e-mail communications. drafts prepared task force help writer were reviewed successively Society's CGS, Affairs Committee (CAC), Executive Committee. version approved CGS CAC placed on web site comments members. At each stage review, written incorporated needed changes. Conclusions: We recommend against making diagnosis androgen deficiency women at present because lack well-defined clinical syndrome normative data total free testosterone levels across lifespan can be define disorder. Although there short-term efficacy populations, as surgically menopausal women, we generalized indications are inadequate safety long-term studies lacking. A review currently presented, areas future research outlined. To formulate information will necessary. This includes defining conditions that, when not treated androgens, have adverse health consequences women; laboratory parameters distinguish those these conditions; assessing administration outcomes important diagnosed conditions. necessary cannot occur until biological, physiological, psychological underpinnings role candidate disorders further elucidated.