Detection of Functional Ovarian Hyperandrogenism in Women with Androgen Excess

Abstract

Distinguishing between ovarian and adrenal causes of androgen excess may be difficult. We have found that women with the polycystic ovary syndrome have supranormal plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone responses to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist nafarelin. We determined the usefulness of testing with nafarelin to distinguish ovarian causes of hyperandrogenism in women.