5 alpha-reductase activity in polycystic ovary syndrome.
case_series · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 1968168.
- No licence information is recorded for this record.
- Because redistribution is not established, this page shows the abstract only. Follow the links below for the full text.
Abstract
11 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (hirsutism and oligomenorrhoea), but with no deficiency of 21-hydroxylase or 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, had abnormal cortisol metabolism. The high ratio of 5 alpha to 5 beta cortisol metabolites in the urine is consistent with enhanced activity of 5 alpha-reductase. Urinary total cortisol metabolites were higher in patients than controls. Increased 5 alpha-reductase activity in liver and skin enhances hepatic cortisol metabolism at the expense of androgen excess and may be the underlying abnormality in polycystic ovary syndrome.