TLDR Free Testosterone Index, bioavailable testosterone, and androstenedione are the most accurate for diagnosing excess male hormones in PCOS.
The study evaluated the accuracy of different androgens in diagnosing hyperandrogenemia in PCOS patients, using 55 PCOS patients and 27 healthy controls. It found that Free Testosterone Index (FTI) and bioavailable testosterone (BAT) had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with androstenedione (A) identifying an additional 5% of PCOS patients not detected by FTI, BAT, or total testosterone. The combination of FTI, BAT, and A diagnosed 96.36% of hyperandrogenemic patients. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) was deemed ineffective due to variable results. The study recommended including FTI, BAT, and A in routine PCOS androgen assessments and suggested further ROC curve analysis across a broader range of PCOS phenotypes to validate these findings.
1540 citations,
October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility” The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
1744 citations,
August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
99 citations,
August 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility” Too much male hormone is the main cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
April 2021 in “Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences” Women with PCOS have higher levels of certain androgens, which are good at predicting excess hair growth.
1 citations,
September 2012 in “Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism” Androgen replacement therapy can improve libido and mood in women with severe androgen deficiency, but more research is needed on its long-term safety.
6 citations,
September 2005 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy” Androgen therapy can help with symptoms like low libido in women, but more research is needed to understand its long-term safety and effects on health.
105 citations,
January 2009 in “Medicine” Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.
59 citations,
August 2004 in “Human Reproduction Update” Testosterone replacement can help women with low libido and mood, but they need to have enough estrogen first to avoid side effects.
