STUDIES IN STEROID METABOLISM. XXVIII. THE α-KETOSTEROID EXCRETION PATTERN IN NORMAL FEMALES AND THE RESPONSE TO ACTH 1

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Abstract
The qualitative and quantitative aspects of urinary ketosteroid excretion were studied in normal women of various ages. The data establish that the sum total of processes concerned with the biosynthesis, secretion and metabolism of the 11-oxygenated steroids examined is independent of chronological age in normal women. The secretion of 11-desoxy hormonal precursors, however, seems to diminish with increasing age. The chemical nature of the 11-desoxy steroid metabolites makes it likely that this alteration in adrenal function reflects the selective diminution in secretion of an "adrenal androgen." The response to stimulation with adrenocorticotrophic hormone was studied in 2 normal women as well and was found comparable with that previously noted in normal males. The individual urinary ketosteroids were essentially at a constant level during successive periods of the menstrual cycle in 2 normal women.