Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2025
Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
Published on: March 5, 2022
Exploring the Predictive Role of 11-Oxyandrogens in Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Armaiti Parvez Mody1, Maya Beth Lodish2, Richard Joseph Auchus3
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
Context:
Hyperandrogenism is a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet the androgen(s) responsible remain ambiguous. Recent studies have suggested that 11-oxygenated C19 steroids (11-oxyandrogens), specifically 11-ketotestosterone, may be a good marker for hyperandrogenism in PCOS.
Objective:
To investigate the utility of 11-oxyandrogens to differentiate women with and without PCOS relative to classical androgens.
Design Setting:
Case-control study performed at a PCOS clinic and research center in an academic setting.
Patients:
114 women with PCOS and 78 healthy controls.
Interventions:
Using the PCOS Tissue Bank, serum samples and data from 114 women registered from 2013 to 2017 between the ages of 18-40 years, were obtained and classified using Rotterdam PCOS criteria. Data were compared to 78 healthy women of similar age, with serum samples obtained between 2017 and 2020. 11-oxyandrogens and sex steroids were measured using mass spectrometry, and their associations to Rotterdam PCOS, age, and BMI were assessed.
Main Outcome Measures:
11-oxyandrogens and sex steroids.
Results:
Total testosterone, androstenedione, and four 11-oxyandrogens were significantly elevated in women with PCOS compared to age matched controls, controlling for age and BMI (p < 0.01 for all). When considered together, the four 11-oxyandrogens were more predictive of PCOS compared to testosterone and androstenedione. When all androgens were considered individually, 11-ketoandrostenedione was the most predictive of PCOS. Of the six androgens studied, 11-ketotestosterone was the only androgen that demonstrated a weak association with hirsutism score (r = 0.17; p = 0.07) within the PCOS group.
Conclusion:
11-oxyandrogens were statistically higher in women with PCOS and may serve as better predictors of PCOS than testosterone and androstenedione.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Oogenesis
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
01:27Ovarian Cycle