[The possible sources of hyperandrogenism in hirsutism in girls]

The purpose of the investigation is to elucidate the role of adrenal androgens in the development of the syndrome of polycystic ovaries in girls of pubertal age. Clinical manifestations of disease and hormonal indices, the levels of testosterone, 17-oxyprogesterone and cortisol with ACTH and dexamethasone tolerance tests were investigated. A significant rise of the level of testosterone and 17-oxyprogesterone was revealed in response to ACTH administration in 30% of the examinees indicating the adrenal genesis of hyperandrogenism. A characteristic feature of the development of disease in this group of patients is early development of hirsutism followed by disturbed menstrual function.