Circulating androgens in hirsutism

The androgen status in fifty consecutive women with hirsutism in the reproductive age group referred to the endocrine clinic was studied. Mean BMI was 24.3 +/- 5.6 kg/M2, 42% had menstrual disturbances and 30%, had severe hirsutism. The hirsute patients had significantly higher estimates of testosterone (48%), dihydrotestosterone (38%) and androstenedione (86%). Based on clinical and hormonal data, polycystic ovarian disease was diagnosed in 20 patients, nonclassical 21 hydroxylase deficiency in one and idiopathic hirsutism in 29.