Androgen levels in adult females: Changes with age, menopause, and oophorectomy

Abstract

Context: Changes in androgen levels across the adult female life span and the effects of natural menopause and oophorectomy have not been clearly established. Objective: The objective of this study was to document the effects of age on androgen levels in healthy women and to explore the effects of natural and surgical menopause. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 1423 non-healthcare-seeking women, aged 18-75 yr, randomly recruited from the community over 15 months. Main Outcome Measures: Serum levels by age of total testosterone (T), calculated free T, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and androstenedione in a reference group of women free of confoundin..