the sexual functioning of women is more complicated

The important female hormone oestrogen has been shown to increase levels of male aggressiveness in lab mice according to recent research done at the University of California San Francisco. The researchers claim that their study shows that oestrogen plays a very important role in the territorial behaviour of male mice which previously was not apparent.

Professor Nirao Shah from the University of California explained that oestrogen is not only connected with the sexual behaviour of females but also linked to the sexual and territorial habits of male mice too. Explaining further Professor Shah said that the way that science should view male and female sexual behaviour has been changed by these recent findings.
The research also suggests that when testosterone in the brain is converted into oestrogen by an enzyme called aromatase that this is essential for activating the brain circuits which are responsible for controlling male territorial and sexual behaviour.

This research should be of specific interest to scientists studying ways of improving female sexual function. The importance of both testosterone and oestrogen for women who seek to improve their sexual function is already known but the exact brain mechanisms and functions which are so important for good female sexual function are not fully understood yet.

Unlike men who are able to get instant sexual response with the drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra the sexual functioning of women is more complicated and needs much more research before an instant “Female Viagra” becomes readily available.

The medication Intrinsa which is the only Female Sexual Dysfunction prescription remedy available in the UK works by releasing very small amounts of testosterone into the bloodstream and has had good results with many women. Women going through menopause often suffer from low levels of testosterone which is normally associated with men but is necessary in smaller quantities in women not only for good sexual function but also for general well being. 

The full study can be found in the medical journal Cell.