Studies of serum testosterone and its reduction products

Levels of serum testosterone (T) and its metabolites dihydrotestosterone (D) and androstanediol (A) measured by a competitive protein binding method were as follows, respectively: in adult males (mean +/- 1 SD), 435 +/- 114, 41 +/- 11, 43 +/- 12 ng/100 ml; in adult females, 30 +/- 14, 18 +/- 8, 18 +/-9; in prepubertal males, 14 +/- 7, 10 +/- 4, 10 +/- 5; and in prepubertal females, 15 +/- 4, 9 +/- 4, 12 +/- 7. These studies are presented to establish relative normal values for these metabolites in various age groups. To help elucidate the role of testosterone metabolites in certain androgenic disorders, patients with idiopathic hirsutism and gonadal disorders were subjected to short-term stimulation with HCG or ACTH and suppression with dexamethasone. Most patients with idiopathic hirsutism showed suppression of all three androgens (particularly androstanediol). Further comparisons of these androgens may aid in elucidating the problem in idiopathic hirsutism.