0000000000543912
AUTHOR
Lilly Chang
The ratio of androstenedione: 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione is an important marker of adrenal androgen excess in women
To determine if the ratio of serum androstenedione (A):11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione (OHA) would be helpful in differentiating adrenal from ovarian hyperandrogenism.Prospective study of outpatients being evaluated for hyperandrogenism.Normal women (n = 27), those with hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation (n = 25), and 7 with adult onset of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) because of 21-hydroxylase deficiency.Fasting serum between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. Patients with hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation and CAH received dexamethasone (DEX) 2 mg for 7 days.Serum testosterone (T), unbound T, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), A, and 11 beta-OHA by radioimmunoassay.Serum 11 beta-OHA an…
Reassessment of adrenal androgen secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Objective To reevaluate the clinical significance of elevations of adrenal androgens in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods Thirty women with PCOS and ten ovulatory controls were evaluated. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate and 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione were measured before and after 3 and 6 months of GnRH agonist (GnRH-A) therapy. All controls and 15 women with PCOS received intravenous ACTH before and after GnRH-A therapy. Results Twenty-one (70%) of the women with PCOS had elevations of DHEA sulfate, and 16 (53%) had elevations in 11/3-hydroxyandrostenedione. Only two women with PCOS had normal values of both adrenal androgens. After GnRH-A therapy, only 11 subjects (37%…