Free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate serum levels in polycystic ovary syndrome women

Abstract

Objectives: This study designed to detect the prevalence of ovarian and/or adrenal hyperandrogenism in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Materials: One hundred PCOS women included in this cross sectional study after informed consent and approval of the study by local institute ethical committee. Diagnosis of PCOS based on the Rotterdam ESHRE criteria. Studied women underwent complete physical examination with calculation of body mass index (BMI) and assessment of hirsutism by modified Ferriman Gallway score. Clotted blood sample taken from studied women for measurement of serum total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) to detect the prevalence of ovarian and/or adrenal hyperandrogenism in PCOS women. Results: 66% of studied PCOS women presented with hirsutism, 22% of studied PCOS women presented with menstrual irregularities (hypomenorrhea, oligomenorrhea) and dysmenorrhea was the presenting symptom in 12%. Free testosterone was elevated in 50 cases of studied women; DHEAS was elevated in 30 cases of studied women while the remaining 20 cases had elevated both free testosterone and DHEAS. Mean free testosterone was 2.6±1.8 pg/ml and mean DHEAS was 5.5±3.8 mg/l. Conclusion: The ovary is the main source of excess androgen in PCOS (50% of studied women) and excess adrenal androgen found in 30% of studied PCOS women, further large studies recommended to confirm this finding.