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Related Experiment Videos

Serum testosterone levels decrease in middle age in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome.

S J Winters1, E Talbott, D S Guzick

  • 1University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. sjwint01@gwise.louisville.edu

Fertility and Sterility
|March 25, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) decrease significantly after age 42, suggesting partial resolution of hyperandrogenism before menopause. However, elevated levels persist in older women, potentially increasing cardiovascular and cancer risks.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Health
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism.
  • Longitudinal changes in testosterone levels with aging in women with PCOS are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between aging and testosterone levels in women with PCOS.
  • To compare testosterone levels in women with PCOS to age-matched controls across different age groups.

Main Methods:

  • A follow-up cross-sectional study of 84 women with PCOS and 37 controls, recruited between 1970-1990.
  • Clinical data collected via questionnaire; fasting blood samples analyzed for total and non-SHBG-bound testosterone.
  • Participants ranged from 20-57 years of age.

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Main Results:

  • Testosterone levels were similar in women with PCOS aged 20-42, then decreased by ~50% in those aged 42-47, stabilizing thereafter.
  • Younger and older women with PCOS had higher testosterone than controls, but levels were similar in the 42-47 age group.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperandrogenism in PCOS appears to partially resolve before menopause, potentially explaining improved cycle regularity with age.
  • Elevated testosterone levels in older women with PCOS may contribute to increased risks for cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.