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Physiological Effects of Androgens in Women

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Androgen Excess Disorders in Women

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

Androgens are important sex steroid hormones for women as well as men. Previously, the focus of androgen research in women was almost exclusively on issues of excess. Only recently have we become aware that androgens play an important role in many aspects of the health and well-being of women. From sexual orientation to brain development to bone health, androgens are closely intertwined with estrogens, and only by understanding the former can we have a full understanding of women’ health and their medical care issues. This chapter focuses on the normal physiology of androgens in women—what we know and what we have yet to learn.

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Hodgson, T.K., Braunstein, G.D. (2006). Physiological Effects of Androgens in Women. In: Azziz, R., Nestler, J.E., Dewailly, D. (eds) Androgen Excess Disorders in Women. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-179-6_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-179-6_4

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