PLASMA ANDROGENS IN WOMEN

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Abstract
1. In a group of 20 normal non-hirsute females age 17 to 38, 18 non-hirsute patients with varied genito-urinary disorders, 8 oophorectomized and/or adrenalectomized patients plasma testosterone was measured by the method of Finkelstein et al (1961). Conjugated androsterone and conjugated DHEA were determined by a modified method of Migeon and Plager (1955). 2. Mean baseline values in normal females were .11 [plus or minus] .06 [mu]g/100 ml testosterone, 11.8 [plus or minus] 5.5 [mu]g/100 ml conjugated androsterone, and 29.5 [plus or minus] 15.5 [mu]g/100 ml conjugated DHEA. No significant response to HCG could be seen. Dexamethasone affected the conjugated DHEA significantly, but did not seem to affect conjugated androsterone or testosterone. 3. The non-hirsute patients showed essentially the same pattern. An effect of dexamethasone on the levels of conjugated androsterone was demonstrated. 4. Oophorectomized women had baseline values for the conjugates in the range of normals. Testosterone, however, was low with an average of .016 [mu]g/100 ml. In the adrenalectomized patients no androgens were detectable.