title: 5 alpha-reductase activity in polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: 11 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (hirsutism and oligomenorrhoea), but with no deficiency of 21-hydroxylase or 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, had abnormal cortisol metabolism. The high ratio of 5 alpha to 5 beta cortisol metabolites in the urine is consistent with enhanced activity of 5 alpha-reductase. Urinary total cortisol metabolites were higher in patients than controls. Increased 5 alpha-reductase activity in liver and skin enhances hepatic cortisol metabolism at the expense of androgen excess and may be the underlying abnormality in polycystic ovary syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Shackleton
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Beastall
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood; D000738:Androsterone / Q000097:blood; D003348:Cortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D005043:Etiocholanolone / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000652:urine; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005043:Etiocholanolone; D000738:Androsterone; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase; D003348:Cortisone; D006854:Hydrocortisone