The Influence of Obesity on Androstenedione to Testosterone Ratio in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hyperandrogenemia

October 2011 in “ Gynecological Endocrinology ”

Georgios Misichronis, Neoklis A. Georgopoulos, Dimitra Marioli, Anastasia Armeni, Ilias Katsikis, Athanasia Piouka, A. Saltamavros, Nikolaos D. Roupas, Dimitrios Panidis

TLDR Obesity changes androgen levels in women with PCOS, leading to higher testosterone relative to androstenedione.

The study, which included 1,087 women with PCOS and 206 controls, found that obesity significantly altered androgen metabolism in women with PCOS and biochemical hyperandrogenemia by reducing serum androstenedione (A) levels and increasing the testosterone (T)/A ratio. This effect was not seen in PCOS women with clinical hyperandrogenemia or in normal ovulatory controls. The increased A-to-T conversion in obese PCOS women may be due to genetic factors, insulin-stimulated overexpression of KLF15, and the amount of adipose tissue. Obesity also affects androgen action by increasing the free androgen index (FAI) due to lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and by contributing to insulin resistance (IR), which in turn stimulates A production. The study also suggested that visceral fat might play a role in promoting IR and hyperandrogenemia in PCOS.

View this study on tandfonline.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 41 results

community Those using fin/min, is there anything else you’ve tried that you think improved your hair loss situation?

in Treatment 1 upvotes 4 months ago

People discussed using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss and mentioned additional treatments like microneedling, Nizoral, oils, vitamins, shampoos, natural treatments, and laser helmets. They shared their experiences with these treatments in combination with finasteride and minoxidil.

community I can't take care of myself because of hair loss.

in Chat 163 upvotes 6 months ago

The conversation is about a user feeling hopeless due to hair loss despite using finasteride, dutasteride, and OM for over a year. Responses suggest therapy, self-improvement, and changing perspectives on appearance.

community Is it possible for androgenic alopecia to begin at early adolescent years?

in Chat 70 upvotes 1 year ago

Hair loss can begin in early adolescence and cause mental anguish. Treatments mentioned include eating cruciferous vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining scalp hygiene.

community I Have Found Peace. Goodbye Tressless.

in Chat 1066 upvotes 1 year ago

Ginkdaripper has accepted going bald and shared their journey of using Minoxidil and Finasteride to help with hair loss, while emphasizing that there are more important things in life. They have also encouraged others to find their own path towards peace with their hair loss.

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens.

in Research/Science 1 upvotes 2 weeks ago

A method for treating androgenic alopecia using minoxidil, antiandrogens, exercise, and cold exposure to promote hair growth. Environmental factors and lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, can improve treatment effectiveness.

Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens

in Research 411 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Treating androgenic alopecia with minoxidil, finasteride, and antiandrogens, alongside exercise, cryotherapy, and natural substances to stimulate cold receptors for better hair growth. The method focuses on enhancing treatment effectiveness by considering environmental and behavioral factors and the role of cold receptors and muscle stress.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Elevated Serum Androstenedione Is Associated With a More Severe Phenotype in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

28 citations, April 2014 in “Hormones”

Higher androstenedione levels in women with PCOS are linked to more severe symptoms.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Insight Into Pathogenesis and a Common Association With Insulin Resistance