Androgens in Women: Critical Evaluation of Methods for Their Determination in Diagnosing Endocrine Disorders

The document from November 12, 2018, critically evaluates the methods for determining androgen levels in women, which is crucial for diagnosing endocrine disorders. It discusses the importance of accurately measuring androgens such as DHEAS, DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone, and the challenges in diagnosing hyperandrogenemia, which can lead to dermatological symptoms or more severe somatic changes. The review emphasizes the need for correct examination procedures and the complexities of laboratory assays, including the measurement of free androgens, the significance of reference ranges, and the impact of menstrual cycle and age. It provides detailed descriptions of the individual androgens, their functions, physiology, and the methods used for their measurement, such as RIA and LC-MS/MS. The document underscores the importance of using appropriate methods for accurate diagnosis and the interpretation of androgen levels in clinical practice. It also notes the limitations of direct immunoassays and the need for standardized measurement of serum testosterone, as recommended by the American Endocrine Society. The paper concludes that standardization of methods for measuring testosterone is an ongoing goal to improve diagnostic accuracy.