Serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in girls with hirsutism and menstrual disturbances).

Seventeen girls with hirsutism and menstrual disturbances aged 16--19 years and 7 hirsute women were investigated. Groups of 15 normal girls and 10 normal women were also included in this study. Serum concentrations of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in basal conditions and following stimulation and suppression tests were estimated. Mean values of T and DHT in hirsute girls were higher than in normal ones but only 4 estimations of T and 2 estimations of DHT exceeded the upper normal limit. The binding capacity of SHBG for T was significantly decreased and in most cases the results were within male ranges. According to the results of dynamic tests 7 cases of the adrenal hyperandrogenism, 5 cases of the ovarian hyperandrogenism and 5 cases of the mixed type of androgen over-production were diagnosed. The authors suggest that the estimations of T, DHT and SHGB in basal conditions and following dynamic tests are of value in the selection of long-term therapy in hirsute girls with menstrual abnormalities.