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…