Exogenous androgens decrease the length of the luteal phase and increase the length of the follicular phase.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of exogenous androgens on the menstrual cycle of eight transsexual females. It was found that the luteal phase decreased from 13.7 +/- 0.8 to 11.6 +/- 0.8 days, whereas the follicular phase increased in length from 13.5 +/- 0.6 to 15.3 +/- 0.6 days. With the testosterone levels attained in venous blood (+/- 4.5 nmol/l) ovulation continued, judged by the rise of basal body temperature and the increase of oestrogen and progesterone blood levels. These results relate hyperandrogenism to luteal insufficiency.