Plasma Unbound and Unconjugated Androgens in Oriental Men

The study investigated the biochemical basis for differences in sexual hair growth between Oriental and Caucasian men, focusing on plasma androgen levels. Six Oriental men (3 Chinese, 3 Japanese) who could not grow facial hair were compared with six fully virile Caucasian men, all around 24 years old. Despite having similar plasma testosterone levels to Caucasians, Oriental men exhibited low 17-oxosteroid excretion and could induce beard growth with androgen, suggesting hypoandrogenism. The study aimed to explore potential differences in plasma testosterone binding or levels of other androgens.