Plasma testosterone in idiopathic hirsutism, and the changes produced by adrenal and ovarian stimulation and suppression.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Plasma testosterone values in the basal state were within normal range (0.03–0.20 μg/100 ml) in 40 women with idiopathic hirsutism. Corticotropin stimulation tests were done in 8 patients; in 7, plasma testosterone increased significantly, and 1 patient tested at 4-hr intervals after 1 injection of ACTH gel showed maximal increase at 4 hr. Stimulation tests resulted in elevation of plasma testosterone in 3 of 4 nonhirsute female control subjects. Dexamethasone suppression tests resulted in significant reduction in plasma testosterone in 5 of 9 patients. HCG was given to 10 patients. No response in plasma testosterone was seen in the first 24 hr after 1500 U was given to 2 patients on 3 successive days, or after 12,000 U to 1 patient on 2 successive days, the adrenals being suppressed in all 3. A single injection of 24,000 U given to 1 patient while adrenal suppression was maintained resulted in a significant rise only after 72 hr. A single injection of 12,000 U was given, without adrenal suppress...