In women, no significant variances of calculated free testosterone (cFT) are observed when a fixed value of albumin (Alb: 4.3 g/dL) is used instead of measured albumin values.

Background: Calculated free testosterone (cFT) is determined from the values of total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and albumin (Alb) using mathematical formulae. We evaluated any potential cFT variance when determined with fixed Alb (4.3 g/dL) compared to measured Alb, and the point at which low SHBG and Alb combinations produced significant cFT variance.

Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and high-density lipoprotein quality by estradiol in cardiovascular pathology.

Estrogens have been recognized, in the last 3 decades, as important hormones in direct and indirect modulation of vascular health. In addition to their direct benefit on cardiovascular health, the presence of esterified estrogen in the lipid core of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles indirectly contributes to atheroprotection by significantly improving HDL quality and functionality. Estrogens modulate their physiological activity via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms.

Biology of female sexual function.

Although the psychosocial and relationship aspects of female sexuality have been extensively investigated, studies concerning the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of female sexual function and dysfunction are limited. The paucity of biologic data may be attributed to a lack of reliable experimental models and tools for investigating female sexual function and to limited funding, which is critical for developing experimental approaches. Research efforts by several investigators in different laboratories have been establishing experimental models needed for investigating the physiologic mechanisms involved in the genital arousal response of sexual function.

Female androgen insufficiency: the Princeton consensus statement on definition, classification, and assessment.

Objective: To evaluate the evidence for and against androgen insufficiency as a cause of sexual and other health-related problems in women and to make recommendations regarding definition, diagnosis, and assessment of androgen deficiency states in women.

Design: Evaluation of peer-review literature and consensus conference of international experts.

Setting: Multinational conference in the United States.