Extract

Objective

Despite several previous studies, the relationship between DHEAS and female sexual functioning remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) for current and lifelong female sexual functioning.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included female individuals (M age 57.58) from the TwinsUK registry. Sexual functioning was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Function Index – Lifelong (FSFI-LL). Serum concentrations of DHEAS, testosterone, estrogen, and SHBG were measured by ElectroChemiLuminescent immunoassays.

Results

When controlling for age, a positive correlation of DHEAS with current pain (rp = 0.105, p<0.05) and lifelong lubrication (rp = 0.094, p<0.01) could be detected. The three groups of women with age-specific low (LD), normal (ND), and high (HD) DHEAS levels, differed significantly in terms of sexual arousal, with the LD group showing significantly lower levels compared to the ND and the HD group (x2 = 9.01; p<0.5). Multilevel regression modelling indicated that the impact of DHEAS on sexual functioning was washed out when including the effects of testosterone, estrogen, and SHBG. Only estrogen turned out to be an independent predictor for lifelong lubrication (p<0.005).

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