Androgen parameters and their correlation with body weight in one hundred thirty-eight women thought to have hyperandrogenism

Abstract

The first objective of this study was to determine which plasma androgen assay or combination of assays would be the most useful in documenting hyperandrogenism in women with hirsutism, acne, oligomenorrhea, or unexplained infertility. Plasma levels of androstenedione (A), total testosterone (T), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured and free T (FTc) was calculated from the measured total T and T-estradiol-binding globulin binding capacity (TeBG-BC) in 138 consecutive women referred to our clinic for hirsutism, acne, oligomenorrhea, and/or unexplained infertility. FTc was elevated in 82% and was most frequently elevated parameter. DHEAS was elevated in 59% of the women, and 93% were noted to have hyperandrogenemia on the basis of a combination of FTc and DHEAS levels. The second objective of this study was to determine whether there was significant correlation between the androgen parameters and any of the clinical features. Body weight was significantly negatively correlated with DHEAS and TeBG-BC in those women with a normal DHEAS level but not in those with an elevated level. A strong positive correlation (simple and partial) was noted between body weight and plasma T levels in the whole group of patients, as well as in those with a normal or an elevated DHEAS level. It is suggested that the relationship between T and body weight is multifaceted. Conceivably, T could influence body mass by effects on food intake or through alterations in intermediary metabolism.