Mental wellbeing and quality of sexual life in women with primary Sjögren's syndrome are related to circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Issue 9 (15th August 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valtysdottir, S Th; Wide, L; Hallgren, R
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 62:Issue 9(2003)
• Page Start: 875
• Page End: 879
• Publication Date: 2003-08-15
• Subjects: Sjögren's syndrome -- dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate -- sexual life -- wellbeing; CNS, central nervous system -- DHEA-S, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate -- PGWB, Psychological General Well-Being Index -- pSS, primary Sjögren's syndrome -- SHBG, sex hormone binding globulin; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.62.9.875
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To evaluate the possible effect of androgen status on sexuality and mental wellbeing in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods: Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), testosterone (T), androstenedione, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and the SHBG/T ratio were measured in 21 women with pSS. Sexual life was assessed by a Swedish version of the McCoy scale, which covers sexual experience and responsiveness during the past 30 days. A standardised questionnaire, the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB), was used to examine quality of life and psychological symptoms in patients with pSS. Results: Positive correlations were found between DHEA-S serum levels and the total McCoy score ( r s =0.62; p<0.01), as well as the subscales of this score reflecting arousal (0.59; p<0.05), desire ( r s =0.52; p<0.05), and satisfaction ( r s =0.66; p<0.01). Serum DHEA-S concentrations were also related to the total PGWB score ( r s =0.60; p<0.01) and subscales of this score: depression ( r s =0.62; p<0.01), wellbeing ( r s =0.64; p<0.01), general health ( r s =0.67; p<0.01), and self control ( r s =0.67; p<0.01). Total McCoy and PGWB scores and their subscales were not related to the serum levels of testosterone and androstenedione or the T/SHBG ratio. Conclusions: Circulating levels of the weak androgen DHEA-S are positively related to the quality of sexual life and mental wellbeing in women with pSS.