Studysummary The authors concluded that plasma levels of 3α-diolG, ADTG, and DHTG in women with hyperandrogenic disorders primarily reflect adrenal androgen contributions rather than peripheral action, suggesting a potential index for treatment effectiveness. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study measured plasma levels of 3α-diolG, ADTG, and DHTG in 15 symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic women with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH), 5 heterozygote carriers, and 18 normal women. Baseline levels of these glucuronides were significantly higher in symptomatic patients. Chronic glucocorticoid therapy led to an 80% suppression of these glucuronides, indicating its effectiveness. The study concluded that plasma levels of these glucuronides are not related to hirsutism or body weight but reflect adrenal contribution to circulating androgens. The heterozygosity of NC-CAH did not show an intermediate steroid profile, and the glucuronides likely originate from adrenal precursors in non-obese women.
32 citations
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January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology” This study found that women with female pattern androgenic alopecia have significantly higher levels of certain androgens and androgen sulfates compared to normal premenopausal women, suggesting markers for diagnosis and treatment efficacy.
50 citations
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August 1985 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” This study found that spironolactone directly inhibits 5 alpha-reductase activity in hirsute women, resulting in decreased conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects.
142 citations
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February 1985 in “Fertility and sterility” This study found that spironolactone reduced serum androstenedione and anagen hair shaft diameter in hirsute patients but did not significantly alter unbound testosterone levels, suggesting its effects are primarily peripheral.
179 citations
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May 1982 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation” This study found that plasma 3 alpha-diol glucuronide was markedly elevated in women with idiopathic hirsutism, suggesting it may be a marker of peripheral androgen action.
192 citations
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January 1976 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” This study observed that androgen levels rise with pubic hair development in Tanner stages, differing by sex and age, with DHEA showing a significant prepubertal increase especially in precocious adrenarche.
