The Influence of Androgens on Insulin Resistance

The study examined the link between androgens and insulin resistance in 14 women with idiopathic hirsutism, 13 with polycystic ovary syndrome, and 6 control subjects. It found that serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with fasting immunoreactive insulin levels, while sex hormone-binding globulin had a negative correlation. Unbound testosterone showed a highly significant positive correlation with insulin levels. Treatments affecting hormone levels did not change insulin levels in idiopathic hirsutism patients but did lower both testosterone and insulin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. The study concluded that insulin resistance is highly correlated with unbound testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin, suggesting that obesity and androgen levels are important factors in insulin resistance.