Elevated and diagnostic androgens of polycystic ovary syndrome

INTRODUCTION: A genetic variation at the level of aromatase enzyme and/or androgen receptors was suggested in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the androgens elevated and diagnostic for PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 PCOS women were compared to non-PCOS controls in this study. The studied women were evaluated thoroughly, including: day 2-3 hormonal profile and any hormonal change confirmed by two laboratory results eight weeks apart. Collected data were analysed to determine the androgens elevated and diagnostic for PCOS. RESULTS: The luteinising hormone (LH) and LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio were significantly high in the studied PCOS group compared to controls (p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). In addition, total and free testosterone and androstenedione were significantly high in the studied PCOS group compared to controls (p = 0.001, 0.003, and 0.02, respectively). The studied PCOS group had higher relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) of elevated total testosterone (2.4 and 5.7, respectively), elevated free testosterone (2.9 and 4.9, respectively), and elevated androstenedione (3.0 and 4.8, respectively), compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone (both total and free testosterone) and androstenedione were the main elevated androgens and were diagnostic for excess ovarian androgens in the studied PCOS women, whereas dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was not elevated and/or diagnostic for excess ovarian androgens in the studied PCOS women.