[Polycystic ovary and diazoxide. In vivo study]

The suppression of hyperinsulinism with diazoxide (300 mg/d during 30 days) in a young woman with PCOS and hirsutism, hyperinsulinism and insulinoresistance was followed by a modification of plasma androgens. Testosterone (T) and free testosterone (fT) were reduced after ten days and then increased but always remained below the baseline level. DHEAS had increased 200% by day 10, and 3 alpha-adiol G to three times its basal value by day 20. These modifications were constant during the treatment. fT decrease was secondary to reduction of hyperinsulinism which was followed by an increase of TeBG and a modest and transient reduction of androgen theca cells production. DHEAS increase was due to hyperinsulinism suppression which stimulated adrenal 17-20 lyase activity. 3 alpha-adiol G increase was concomittant, and can be considered as an index of adrenal androgen secretion.