Plasma androgens in hirsute females. IV. Determination of blood testosterone androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and delta5-androstenediol.

12 patients with idopathic hirsutism and menstrual disorders were studied to determine the role of delta-5-androstenediol in the pathogenesis of these conditions particularly in patients with normal levels of testosterone. Blood samples were analysed for testosterone delta-4-androstenedione plasma dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and delta 5-androstenediol. 9 cases had values of plasma testosterone which were elevated. 3 cases were within normal testosterone range. Plasma delta-4-androstenedione was high in all but 2 cases. DHT was elevated in 11 cases. Blood concentrations of delta-5-androstenediol were elevated in 4 cases. It is concluded that delta-5 is increased only in a few cases of hirsutism and in these it contributes together with the other androgens to the total androgenic balance. In only 1 patient in this series does delta-5 alone account for the hirsutism.