[Inverse relationship between body mass index and fasting insulinemia with testosterone-binding protein in hirsutism]

To identify the factor(s) involved in the decreased of sex steroid binding-protein (SBP) in hirsute women, we have investigated which parameters were in correlation with SBP in a population of 90 hirsute women. We found no significant correlation of SBP binding capacity with the plasma concentrations of the main androgens. Conversely, SBP was in inverse and significant correlation with body mass index and with the fasting insulin plasma level. These findings confirm that nutritional status must be considered in the physiopathology of hyperandrogenism in women. The control of overweight may be a goal for treating hirsutism in some patients.