Luteinizing hormone, adrenal androgenesis, and polycystic ovarian disease.

Seven oophorectomized patients were administered a total of 60,000 units of human chorionic gonadotropin over a 3-day period, and plasma testosterone levels were obtained. One of the 7 patients demonstrated a definitive response to the hormone but repeat testing proved to be negative. The potential role of luteinizing hormone in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome is discussed and current evidence linking LH to adrenal androgenesis is reviewed. Modifications that may be employed for future study are suggested.