Peripheral catecholamine metabolites and free testosterone in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic anovulation, elevated serum estrogen and androgen levels, and inappropriate gonadotropin secretion. The present study compares the androgen levels (free testosterone) and catecholamine metabolites (DOPAC as a marker of central dopaminergic activity, DOPEG as one of adrenergic activity) in patients with PCOS and normal controls. The mean serum LH and free testosterone levels of polycystic ovary patients were significantly higher than those of normal controls. The mean DOPEG/DOPAC ratio in the polycystic ovary patients was significantly higher than those of the control group and there was a significant correlation between free testosterone and DOPEG or the DOPEG/DOPAC ratio. It is suggested that, in vivo, norepinephrine excess is present in women with PCOS and that a hyperandrogenemic status is correlated with catecholamine activity.