Ailments and Situations - Menopause (and Related Issues) - Hormones - Androgens

Androgenic hormones, such as dehydroedianrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone, play a role in energy production, sexual response and libido, and general well-being. These and other androgens are produced in the adrenal glands, body fat, brain, hair follicles, muscles, ovaries, pineal gland, and skin. Levels typically drop following hysterectomy (regardless of whether the ovaries are spared), or tubal ligation due to blood supply changes to the ovary.

As hormone production decreases in the ovaries, the increased FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) levels result in a two-fold increase in adrogenic hormones occurs in the above mentioned organs and body sites. Androgens also act as weak estrogens and are precursors for estrogen production. Depending on a woman's lifestyle and diet, her body thus has the ability to naturally compensate for declining estrogen levels and naturally maintain hormonal balance.

If supplementing, DHEA is administered first, as it is a precursor to testosterone. Typical dosage is 5 to 10mg twice daily.