Plasma free androgen patterns in hirsute women and their diagnostic implications

摘要: Abstract The 24-hour pattern of plasma total and free testosterone other 17β-hydroxysteroids has been characterized in six women with moderately severe male-pattern hirsutism. Four distinct androgen patterns were identified: (1) levels elevated 80 per cent or more the time, (2) level was constantly elevated, whereas high-normal range, (3) androgens undergoing marked phasic fluctuations around upper limits normal such that sampling blood for multiple and/or at intervals necessary to disclose hyperandrogenic state, (4) fluctuated within range. variation suggestive intermittent independent episodes adrenal ovarian production. Because these fluctuations, a single not necessarily representative average concentration over period. For example, 95 confidence are may fall only 38 mean. best short-term estimate daily is mean hourly determinations 3-hour period; this figure 18 Nevertheless, protocol would haue detected subtle state present two patients unless than (e.g., 17β-hydroxysteroids) measured same specimens.