Korean J Androl.  2004 Apr;22(1):24-30.

Effect of Menopause on the Expression of Androgen Receptors in Human Vagina

• Jun JH
• Yoon H

Abstract

PURPOSE
Many women complain of various pattern of sexual dysfunction after surgical or natural menopause. This study aimed to investigate the effect of menopause on the expression of androgen receptors in the human vagina and sexual functions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The subjects were women aged from their 30's to 70's who required transvaginal surgery. Subjects were divided into three groups: premenopausal, postmenopausal without hormone replacement therapy, and postmenopausal with hormone replacement therapy. Tissues from the proximal and distal thirds of the vagina were collected during the operation. The expression of androgen receptors was examined using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical techniques.
RESULTS
In tissue from the distal third of the vagina, androgen receptor expression decreased after menopause compared with the premenopausal group. In the hormone replacement group, androgen receptor expression was decreased compared with non-hormone replacement group. Androgen receptor expression correlated with sexual function independent of hormonal status.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinically, significant numbers of postmenopausal women show changes of sexual function. Androgen is thought to be one of the major factors controlling female sexual function. This study supports that the androgen receptor expression could be changed by the hormonal status and we should consider this change when managing sexual dysfunction in female.

Keyword

Androgen receptor; Female sexual function; Menopause; Vagina

MeSH Terms

Female
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Humans*
Menopause*
Receptors, Androgen*
Vagina*
Receptors, Androgen