Objective Various studies have
demonstrated coexistence of ovarian and adrenal hyperandrogenism in women.
This study was designed to determine whether testosterone can increase the
response of the adrenal gland to stimulation by adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH).
Design Non-randomized intervention
in a university teaching hospital.
Patients Twenty androgen-treated
female-to-male transsexual patients (10 ovariectomized and 10 non-ovariectomized)
and 10 normal female controls.
Measurements ACTH stimulation tests
were performed in all subjects. Baseline values and the increase above
baseline values after ACTH stimulation were assessed for cortisol and the
adrenal androgens androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and
dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate.
Results Increases in levels of
cortisol, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone after administration of
ACTH were greater in testosterone-treated transsexual patients than
controls.
Conclusion We conclude that
testosterone increases the response of the adrenal gland to stimulation by
ACTH.
Citation:
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1994 May;40(5):595-601 an article published on the
Internet by PubMed <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>
