Shorter CAG Repeats in the Androgen Receptor Gene May Enhance Hyperandrogenicity in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The 2008 study investigated the effect of CAG repeat length in the androgen receptor gene on hyperandrogenism in 97 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It found that those with a bi-allelic mean of CAG repeats below 21 exhibited lower levels of various androgens and a higher incidence of acne and/or hirsutism. The study also observed that shorter CAG repeats were associated with higher androgen levels and symptoms like acne and hirsutism, with a 90% occurrence in the subgroup with high DHEAS levels and shorter repeats. Conversely, those with longer repeats and normal DHEAS levels had a 48% occurrence of these symptoms. These findings support the idea that shorter CAG repeats may increase androgen activity and contribute to the hyperandrogenic features of PCOS.